The Howell County Sheriff’s Department has arrested a 41-year-old teacher from West Plains R-7 School District on charges of sexual contact with a student, endangering the welfare of a child and child molestation.
The West Plains Police Department, in a news release on Thursday, said the charges stem from a January report made by a female student.
The student on Jan. 31 reported to the West Plains Police Department that she had been sexually assaulted by an employee of the West Plains School District at a campus facility on Jan. 27.
The investigation concluded according to the department, and charges were forwarded to the Howell County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, resulting in an arrest warrant being issued for 41-year-old Christopher R. Taylor.
Taylor was arrested on Tuesday and charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of a child creating substantial risk, fourth-degree child molestation and sexual contact with a student, all felonies.
Taylor’s bail is set at $50,000.
According to police, the West Plains R-7 School District fully cooperated with the investigation and took immediate action against the employee.
Taylor is no longer affiliated or employed by the school district, police said.
