Dowling Catholic Teacher Kristen Gantt Arrested for Exploiting Student: Dowling Catholic High School teacher Kristen Gantt was arrested on Friday for allegedly engaging in an improper relationship with a 17-year-old student. Two counts of sexual exploitation by a school employee have been charged against the 36-year-old English teacher.
The Allegations against Kristen Gantt
According to court documents obtained by NBC affiliate WHO 13 Gantt confessed to engaging in a physical relationship with the student on at least five different occasions. The alleged secret trysts reportedly took place inside the classroom after school hours.
Gantt is accused of grooming the underage student who allegedly confided in her over family troubles. Authorities allege that Gantt preyed on vulnerable students and engaged in inappropriate relationships multiple times on school premises.
The Evidence against Kristen Gantt
The allegations against Gantt were brought to light after an individual contacted WHO 13 and revealed incriminating social media conversations between the teacher and the student.
Upon the publication’s advice, the individual reported the incident to law enforcement who immediately began investigating.
Police obtained communications between Gantt and the student via email and Instagram which allegedly revealed a sexualized relationship that occurred both inside and outside of school grounds.
The school’s surveillance camera recorded Gantt and the student alone in her classroom, behind a locked door with paper-covered windows.
The Response from School Officials
School officials confronted Gantt and the student shortly after the allegations were brought to light. Both denied that anything inappropriate had transpired between them but acknowledged that they had exchanged personal texts regarding the boy’s family troubles.
Gantt will not be returning to school, having been placed on administrative leave. The school has stated that they are cooperating fully with the authorities and that the safety and well-being of their students are their top priority.
Kristen Gantt’s alleged actions are disturbing and concerning. It is important for schools to have strict policies and procedures in place to prevent and address instances of inappropriate relationships between teachers and students. The authorities are now handling the matter and justice will be served accordingly.
