Cottonwood, AZ – An Arizona middle school teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old boy has been arrested.
Isabella Bowman, 22, was placed on administrative leave by the Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District on Thursday, The Arizona Republic reported.
Police said that Bowman, who is a teacher at Dr. Daniel Bright School, engaged in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old male who did not attend school in the district where Bowman taught.
Their interactions originated outside of any school setting, Cottonwood Police Sergeant Monica Kuhlt told The Arizona Republic.
Bowman was arrested for suspicion of sexual contact with a minor on Thursday.
In addition to the sexual assault allegation against her, Bowman was also placed on administrative leave for “alleged possession of marijuana,” Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District Superintendent Steve King wrote in a letter to students’ parents and guardians, according to The Arizona Republic.
Additional charges may be forthcoming, police said.
"COCSD is committed to the safety of all students and expects all staff to adhere to the highest ethical practices and conduct when it comes to our community’s children," King’s letter read. "We must all work together, staff, students, families and community to provide a safe learning environment for children to learn, grow and thrive."
Police said they were continuing to investigate the allegations in order to ensure Bowman did not have any other victims.
"Even though Bowman is a teacher at DDB it doesn’t appear any students of the Cottonwood Oak Creek District were involved, or that there was any inappropriate contact with those students," the department told KNXV.
Do you think that the victim not being a student at the same school makes a difference in this case? What about the age difference? We'd like to hear from you. Please let us know in the comments.
