EXCLUSIVE: Tempe teacher accused of inappropriate behavior with student

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.