Joel West, a Catholic High School teacher, was charged Sept. 21 with second-degree sexual assault of a minor.
According to the Sherwood Police Department, West is alleged to have inappropriately touched a 12- year-old girl in April. The girl reported the incident to her neighbor and the neighbor told the girl’s parents. The parents then notified police. West was released without bond and is scheduled to appear Oct. 16 in Sherwood District Court.
Principal Steve Straessle said in a message to the parents Sept. 23 that West was placed on administrative leave when the school was notified of the allegation.
Straessle said, “We are now gathering information to determine Mr. West’s status with the school. However, please know there is no indication whatsoever that any Catholic High student, past or present, was jeopardized in any way by Mr. West’s one-year employment with the school.”
