A Grandview High School teacher has been arrested on suspicion of sexually exploiting students.
In court documents, Grandview police accuse Zachary J. Sybouts, 26, of having inappropriate contact with three girls ages 16 and 17.
Sybouts was released on a $25,000 bond after making a preliminary appearance before Yakima County Superior Court Judge Richard Bartheld.
Police say they began investigating Sybouts after the school district notified them of a possible inappropriate relationship between a teacher and student.
A 16-year-old girl told investigators she and Sybouts started texting about school-related issues, such as grades, but the conversation shifted when he told her that she was attractive and that he wanted to hang out with her and kiss her, according to the affidavit.
She said he eventually sent her a picture of his genitals, according to the affidavit.
Police said the student told them she deleted the picture immediately and that she was “creeped out” and “uncomfortable” over him trying to get closer to her.
Police said Sybouts texted with a second 16-year-old student, telling her he could improve her grades if she did one of three things: kiss him, send a photo, or buy pizza.
She sent a photo of herself in a dress, but he expected more and she sent two partially naked pictures to him, according to the affidavit.
Police said she told them he kissed her in the weight room.
A 17-year-old student told investigators that she’d been propositioned by Sybouts to sleep with him, but she said no. He also wanted her to work as a maid and wear a maid’s outfit, but she also said no, the affidavit said.
Police have carried out search warrants to recover evidence, according to a news release.
Police say they are asking prosecutors to file charges of coercion, sexual exploitation of a minor, communication with a minor for immoral purposes, and possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/crime_and_courts/grandview-teacher-arrested-for-suspected-sexual-advances-toward-students/article_36b27e58-12dc-11e6-9258-df8dcefe86af.html