Spokane elementary school teacher accused of having sex with student

A 32-year-old Spokane Public Schools teacher has been arrested on suspicion of child rape and molestation, according to the Spokane Police Department. after Spokane police say she had sex with a student. 

The Spokesman-Review has not released the teacher’s name because she has not been formally charged. She teaches at Stevens Elementary School, according to staff listings on the school website.

She was removed from teaching as soon as the school district learned of the allegations that she had sex with a student, said school district spokesman Ryan Lancaster. 

She was booked into the Spokane County Jail at about 6:30 a.m. Friday on suspicion of first-degree child rape and first-degree child molestation.

Police officers responded to the school around 3:30 p.m. Feb. 12 for a reported sex crime, according to a police news release issued Friday. The principal of the school called police to report a family member of a student disclosed to them statements the child made regarding possible sex acts with a teacher.

Investigators obtained statements and evidence that led them to suspect the allegations were founded. The police department’s Special Victims Unit was called and took over the investigation.

“Spokane School District 81 acted quickly once this information was brought to their attention, promptly separating (the teacher) from the child and further school access, and calling police,” according to the police press release. “The school district’s swift actions and cooperation played a vital role in this investigation and prevented further harm.”

First-degree child rape happens when a person has sex with another who is less than 12 years old and the perpetrator is at least two years older than the victim, police said.

The teacher is scheduled to appear in Spokane County Superior Court on Friday afternoon. A judge will determine whether there is probable cause for the charges whether to set bond.

This story is developing