A geography teacher at Fairmont Junior High School in Boise, Idaho, has been arrested and charged with rape and sexual battery of a minor aged between 16 and 17.
Alleged Crime and Arrest
Eric McDermott, the accused teacher, has been charged with rape and sexual battery of a male minor aged between 16 and 17, according to the Idaho Statesman.
The alleged crime involved McDermott contacting the victim on a dating site and having several days of conversations with the teenager. He is then accused of picking up the victim and raping him at his home.
Following his arrest on Monday, McDermott is being held on $1 million bail at Ada County Jail. During the arraignment, according to Fox News, it was revealed that McDermott had taught the victim when he was 15.
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Response from Authorities and the School District
In response to the arrest, as reported by Idaho Statesman, the Boise School District put McDermott on leave and issued a letter to parents stating that they were cooperating with law enforcement and prosecutors.
The arrest has raised concerns about student safety, particularly since McDermott had previously taught the victim when he was 15 years old. The community is eagerly awaiting further updates on the case, and McDermott has not yet obtained legal representation.
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