A teacher in southwest Iowa resigned Wednesday after being confronted by school officials about allegations he sent inappropriate text messages and pictures to one of his female students. Pottawattamie County Sheriff Jeff Danker says his office was contacted by officials with Lewis Central Community Schools in Council Bluffs.
“Investigators yesterday took a report from a 17-year-old female in reference to her Spanish teacher, 30-year-old Daniel Pantoja.” After reviewing the case, Sheriff Danker says Pantoja will face charges.
“Apparently there was different communication there over the cellphone, texting, and pictures that the investigators discovered,” he says. “The decision was made to charge Mr. Pantoja with sexual exploitation by a school employee, which is a Class D felony, and lascivious conduct with a minor.”
Danker says they’ve spoken with the suspect. Pantoja has an attorney and he plans to turn himself in later today. The sheriff says his bond will be set at $5,000.
By Karla James