The Auburn School District was notified Friday, December 6th, of a video on YouTube “showing a staff member allegedly seeking an inappropriate relationship with an underage child,” said Dr. Alan Spicciati, Auburn School District Superintendent. That staff member, an Auburn Riverside High School teacher and coach, has been placed on administrative leave. No charges have been filed at this time.
A letter sent to all Auburn School District staff and families stated that the district “immediately notified law enforcement and are working with them to investigate.”
The alleged incident occurred in Houston with a group called “Predator Poachers.” The video posted by the group shows a series of text exchanges purportedly between the staff member and a supposed 14-year-old male. The exchanges include inappropriate messages and graphic photographs. During the messaging, a meeting is set up at a Walmart, with the expectation of a sexual encounter in the bathroom.
Warning: The contents of these messages are graphic and may offend or potentially cause emotional distress to some readers.
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The video of the incident was posted to YouTube in July. It was shared with the school district on Friday afternoon and has since been shared on various social media sites and groups.
Elaine Hogg, President Auburn Education Association could provide no comment at this time.
The full letter from the Auburn School District:
Dear ASD Families & Staff:
On the afternoon of Friday, December 6 the district was made aware of a video on social media showing a staff member allegedly seeking an inappropriate relationship with an underage child.
We immediately notified law enforcement and are working with them to investigate.
The staff member was placed on administrative leave Friday afternoon.
Student safety is our top priority. We appreciate the person who reported the video. Remember, if you see something, say something. The ASD has an anonymous tip line with four easy ways to report anything suspicious:
Online: http://1258.alert1.us
Email: 1258@alert1.us
Phone: 855.790.9375
Text: 855.790.9375Sincerely,
Dr. Alan Spicciati
Superintendent
This is a developing story and updates will be provided as they become available.
UPDATE: The Auburn Police Department have released the following statement on their Facebook page, “The Auburn Police Department has been made aware of an incident involving a teacher from Auburn Riverside. The incident occurred this past July in the City of Houston, Texas. We will assist Houston PD and the Auburn School District in any way we can. Houston PD has jurisdiction over this investigation and we don’t have any further information to report at this time.”
Last Updated: 12/7/2019 4:34pm
Note: An original publication of this article included the name of the staff member sources indicate as the alleged staff member placed on leave. While multiple sources have confirmed the staff member’s identity to the Auburn Examiner, we have removed the teacher’s name at this time as charges have not been filed.
Since y’all decided to remove his name. Here it is Michael Van Eaton.
The Auburn Police Department have released the following statement on their Facebook page, “The Auburn Police Department has been made aware of an incident involving a teacher from Auburn Riverside. “The incident occurred this past July in the City of Houston, Texas”. We will assist Houston PD and the Auburn School District in any way we can. Houston PD has jurisdiction over this investigation and we don’t have any further information to report at this time.
what does this have to do with Auburn Washington or south hill ?
Hi John, This has to do with Auburn as it allegedly involves an Auburn Riverside High School Teacher/Coach. Though the alleged incident took place in Houston, the teacher lives and works in Auburn. They have been put on leave as the matter is investigated. We’re not certain where South Hill comes from, as to our knowledge it has not been mentioned.
-The AE Team