West Virginia State Police in Mercer County arrested a high school physical education teacher in connection to the sexual abuse of as many as 12 female students.
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. -- West Virginia State Police in Mercer County arrested a high school physical education teacher and assistant coach in connection to the sexual abuse of as many as 12 female students.
Jonathan Edward Kirk, 34, of Walton, was arrested Monday after an investigation into his work at Pikeview High School in Princeton, where he has been a teacher and assistant boys basketball coach since 2010, State Police spokesman Sgt. Michael Baylous said.
Kirk allegedly fondled several female students and used social media and text messages to send them sexual images, Baylous said. At least 12 victims came forward and Baylous said there could be more.
Kirk was charged with four counts of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian or custodian, five counts of soliciting a minor via computer, three counts of using obscene material with the intent to seduce a minor, three counts of the use of a minor to film sexually explicit conduct and three counts of distribution and displaying obscene material to a minor. Additional charges could be filed, as well, Baylous said.
Kirk is being held in Southern Regional Jail in lieu of a $100,000 cash-only bail.
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. -- West Virginia State Police in Mercer County arrested a high school physical education teacher and assistant coach in connection to the sexual abuse of as many as 12 female students.
Jonathan Edward Kirk, 34, of Walton, was arrested Monday after an investigation into his work at Pikeview High School in Princeton, where he has been a teacher and assistant boys basketball coach since 2010, State Police spokesman Sgt. Michael Baylous said.
Kirk allegedly fondled several female students and used social media and text messages to send them sexual images, Baylous said. At least 12 victims came forward and Baylous said there could be more.
Kirk was charged with four counts of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian or custodian, five counts of soliciting a minor via computer, three counts of using obscene material with the intent to seduce a minor, three counts of the use of a minor to film sexually explicit conduct and three counts of distribution and displaying obscene material to a minor. Additional charges could be filed, as well, Baylous said.
Kirk is being held in Southern Regional Jail in lieu of a $100,000 cash-only bail.
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