Pocatello-Chubbuck elementary teacher charged with child rape

Devin Bodkin | 01/18/2019

POCATELLO — Police have charged a Pocatello elementary school teacher with two sex crimes against a child.

Tiffany Marie Petersen was charged in Bannock County on Wednesday with one count of rape of a child under 16 and lewd conduct against a child, according to the Idaho Repository.

Petersen, 46, teaches fourth grade at Syringa Elementary School in the Pocatello-Chubbuck School District. She was arrested Wednesday and released on her own recognizance Thursday, according to state court filings.

The district announced Friday that it placed a teacher on administrative leave “until further notice.”

“This is a decision that was in the best interest of our students and the district,” said Superintendent Douglas Howell. “As a public school district, we accept the responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of our students and staff in a positive learning environment.”

If convicted, Petersen could receive a life sentence.

Petersen’s arraignment is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Devin Bodkin

EdNews assistant editor and reporter Devin Bodkin is a former high school English teacher who specializes in stories about charter schools and educating students who live in poverty. He lives and works in East Idaho. Follow Devin on Twitter @dsbodkin. He can be reached by email at [email protected].