Justin David Rapier, a Highland High School language arts and yearbook teacher, was arrested Thursday on a sexual abuse charge.
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Justin David Rapier, a Highland High School language arts and yearbook teacher, was arrested Thursday on a sexual abuse charge.
According to the Washington County Communications Center, Rapier, 41 of Marion, is charged with Sexual Exploitation by a School Employee, a Class D felony, which is punishable by up to five years in prison.
On Dec. 17, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible sexual abuse case involving a child and during an investigation, it was determined that the sexual abuse involved a minor female student at Highland High School. The affidavit states that Rapier engaged in a sexual relationship with the student while she was enrolled there.
Rapier was arrested and charged on Thursday, January 20. A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the person charged is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Superintendent Ken Crawford in a press release that Rapier was immediately suspended once the district learned of the allegations and has not been in any district buildings since his suspension.
"We take all allegations of misconduct seriously, particularly when it comes to student safety," Crawford said in the release.
Crawford said the district worked with law enforcement during their investigation and will "remain focused on our students, staff and community."
The News will keep you updated as more information becomes official.
*This story was last updated at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 21, 2022.