Kenosha teacher under investigation

 

KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A relationship between a student and teacher is in question in Kenosha. That teacher is on administrative leave while Kenosha Unified and the district attorney's office investigate.

We are not naming the teacher or the school because there are no criminal charges right now, and KUSD hasn't yet made a decision on the teacher's employment here.

A tip got the investigation rolling back in February. Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton says the teacher and a middle school student exchanged Snapchats last summer. Police say a forensic search of the child's iPhone revealed 130,000 screenshots of messages between the two in the next six months.

"We were able to see that messages exist. A lot of the content was gone. That's part of the frustration from law enforcement perspective of when we get involved - the sooner we get involved, the more we can preserve," said Chief Patton.

What detectives did learn went into a 101-page report. Police say much of the messaging between the student and teacher took place after midnight. There were also handwritten cards in which the teacher said things like, "so happy that we have such a close relationship" and "it makes me so sad thinking I won't have you in my class anymore, getting sassy looks from you or wondering what part of the floor you're laying on." The letters also said, "you are my favorite" and "I love you" with a heart.

The student told police she regularly visits this teacher in his classroom where they would hug, that initially he hugged her with his hands over her shoulders, and he eventually started hugging her with his hands on her waist.

The teacher in question was also interviewed and told police he viewed the relationship as more of a mentorship.

The teacher has been on leave since February.

The district attorney is looking into any possible charges. Meanwhile, at a KUSD School Board meeting Tuesday night, things got heated. Some parents spoke out about the allegations.

"We need leadership that understands and prioritizes the wellbeing of our students," said Alicia Figueroa, KUSD parent.

"You had three months to address this. I will address this now," said Daniel McBride, Kenosha resident.

KUSD released a statement saying the teacher will stay on administrative leave while the district investigates, and that the district cannot comment further because it's a personnel issue.