Battle Ground High School teacher Kevin Weeks was arrested Saturday in Oregon on a charge of first-degree online sexual corruption of a minor.
Weeks, 57, is being held in the Linn County, Ore., Jail.
Battle Ground Public Schools placed Weeks on administrative leave Sunday. A district spokesperson said Weeks is a business and marketing teacher at Battle Ground High School and has worked in the district since 2002.
Weeks was arrested at Bowman Park in Albany, Ore. The wooded park is close to Interstate 5 and sits along the Willamette River.
Oregon law defines online sexual corruption of a minor as an adult knowingly using online communication to solicit a minor to engage in sexual contact or sexually explicit conduct and intentionally taking a step toward meeting physically.
The district said Monday it was working to find a substitute to cover Weeks’ classes and that additional counselors would be on site to provide support for students and staff.
Battle Ground High School Principal Charbonneau Gourde sent an email Sunday to staff and families regarding Weeks’ arrest.
“Due to the serious nature of this matter, this person was placed on administrative leave and will not be at school while our district completes an investigation. We will also cooperate with the law enforcement investigation,” Gourde wrote. “Of course this person’s actions do not in any way align with the values or character of our school or district. We will take all measures necessary to ensure that our students are educated in a safe environment.”
The Albany Police Department is continuing the investigation.
