Little Rock Catholic High Teacher Charged with Sexual Assault
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: September 23, 2012
A 40-year-old Little Rock Catholic High School teacher has been charged with sexual assault of a young girl.
The alleged incident occured when the12-year-old girl went to a friend's house in April. According to a police report, the friend's father, Joel West, allegedly touched her inappropriately during the visit.
West is a Civics and Physical Education teacher at Catholic High.
The girl reported the incident to her neighbor, who then told the girl's parents. When the girl's parents asked her about the incident, the girl admitted that it had occured.
The girl's parents then notified police. Her name has not been released.
Catholic High Principal Steve Straessle says there is no indication that past or present Catholic High students were in jeopardy.
Straessle has sent a letter to parents addressing the issue and will talk with students in the morning. School counselors will be available for students to talk if needed.
According to police, West was arrested and charged on Friday. He was released without having to pay bond. He is due back into court October 15 at the Sherwood District Court.
He was placed on administrative leave in August pending the results of the investigation.
