EXCLUSIVE: Tempe teacher accused of inappropriate behavior with student

Oct 20, 2014, 5:47 PM | Updated: 6:16 pm

...

PHOENIX — A married teacher from Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe is accused of behaving inappropriately with a student. Math teacher and Varsity Cheer coach, Brooke Hesson, has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation for allegations of misconduct.

Tempe Police Department confirmed to KTAR they have conducted an investigation into allegations of activity that is sexual in nature between Hesson and a student.

“We were made aware of this investigation last Friday by school administration,” a Tempe Police spokesman said. “At this time, our detectives are continuing to look into this, however, at this time no criminal charges will be filed as the student was 18 years of age and the encounter was consensual.”

A Tempe Union High School District spokesperson confirms their investigation is still ongoing. If the allegations are true, disciplinary action could be taken.

Marcos de Niza sent a letter to parents about the allegations. It stated:

Dear Parents,
As of late Friday afternoon, October 17, Marcos de Niza Math teacher and Varsity Cheer Coach Brooke Hesson was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation for allegations of misconduct. We first learned of the allegations late Friday afternoon and in accordance with district policy, immediately sent Ms. Hesson home.
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority and we take allegations of misconduct seriously. The District is exercising all appropriate due diligence efforts for all parties involved. As we work to gather the facts, we hope to minimize the amount of disruption to our students. We have made arrangements to have a substitute for Ms. Hesson’s math classes and we are reviewing all options for the continuity of programming for the cheer program for Marcos de Niza.

Many students at the school and others have since taken to Twitter to express their concerns and to ask for updated information on the investigation.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

A Paradise Valley, Arizona, estate known as Casa Oso Negro, which was originally listed for $20 mil...

Kevin Stone

Luxurious Paradise Valley estate originally listed for $20M will be sold at auction

An exquisite Paradise Valley estate that was originally listed for $20 million will be sold at auction this month.

5 hours ago

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)...

Brandon Gray

Mayor Gallego, city council votes to leave Phoenix’s Colorado River entitlement in Lake Mead

Mayor Kate Gallego and the Phoenix City Council unanimously voted Wednesday to leave up to 150,000 acre-feet of the city's Colorado River entitlement in Lake Mead over the next three years.

5 hours ago

...

Brandon Gray

Man arrested in ‘The Zone’ after refusing to leave tent, threatening workers, Phoenix police say

A man was arrested Wednesday after an incident involving homeless outreach workers in 'The Zone' homeless encampment in downtown Phoenix.

5 hours ago

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)...

KTAR.com

Phoenix City Council vote passes to support Suns, Mercury All-Star bids

The Phoenix City Council unanimously voted Wednesday in favor of supporting the bids from the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury to host future All-Star games.

5 hours ago

(Pexels Photo)...

KTAR.com

Arizona man sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexual abuse of a minor

An Arizona man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexual abuse of a minor, authorities said Tuesday.

1 day ago

Sean Bickings (Family Photo via city of Tempe)...

Associated Press

Family of man who drowned last year in Tempe Town Lake files wrongful death lawsuit

The family of a man who drowned in Tempe Town Lake a year ago filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city Wednesday, noting that its police department doesn't have a policy requiring officers to go into the water to save someone.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

...

SANDERSON FORD

Thank you to Al McCoy for 51 years as voice of the Phoenix Suns

Sanderson Ford wants to share its thanks to Al McCoy for the impact he made in the Valley for more than a half-decade.

(Photo: OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center)...

OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center

Here’s what you need to know about OCD and where to find help

It's fair to say that most people know what obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders generally are, but there's a lot more information than meets the eye about a mental health diagnosis that affects about one in every 100 adults in the United States.

(Photo by Michael Matthey/picture alliance via Getty Images)...

Cox Communications

Valley Boys & Girls Club uses esports to help kids make healthy choices

KTAR’s Community Spotlight focuses on the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley and the work to incorporate esports into children's lives.

EXCLUSIVE: Tempe teacher accused of inappropriate behavior with student