Former Coach Accused Of Having Sex With Student

A former high school teacher and girls’ softball coach has been charged with two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor. His lawyer says he’s innocent.

Charges filed Monday in Thurston County Superior Court allege Steven Robert Fiser, who taught at Yelm High School from 1993 until he was fired Nov. 10, had sex with a 16-year-old girl between Feb. 9 and March 31, 1995. Arraignment was set for Feb. 18.

“He denies he had any inappropriate contact with this girl, period,” said Fiser’s attorney, Michael Hanbey of Olympia.

Fiser, 30, was fired for inappropriate contact and sexual comments to students, and the state has been asked to revoke his teaching certificate, said David Hokit, a lawyer for the Yelm schools.

Fiser appealed the dismissal and is on paid administrative leave pending a hearing, Hokit said.

The charges stem from accusations by a former student who turns 20 this month.

She came forward during a five-week school investigation of claims against Fiser last fall, deputy prosecutor Jon Tunheim said.

“I think it was only after she realized that it could or would impact other people that she came forward,” Tunheim said.

The woman, who was in one of Fiser’s history classes and on the softball team, told police that she had sex with Fiser on three occasions, the first time at his house and the second and third times in his classroom during the school day, court documents said.