An investigation into reports of inappropriate conduct has led to the arrest of a fourth grade Lake Quinault School District music teacher, according to a report released by Grays Harbor County Sheriff Chief Criminal Deputy Steve Shumate.

Friday evening a deputy was dispatched to a home in Nielton after a family member of a 9-year old female Lake Quinault student reported she had observed a video of her niece being inappropriately touched by her 39-year-old music teacher.

The video was taken during class March 17 by a sibling of the 9-year-old. In it, the male music teacher was seated on a stool with the girl standing next to him. She was being punished for not bringing her instrument to class. The teacher is seen with his left arm around the girl, rubbing the left side of the girl’s abdomen with his left hand and at times pulling the girl next to him. The touching is on the outside of the clothing and lasts for about four of the five minutes of video. The victim’s sibling told the investigating deputy that other female students had received the same punishment of standing next to the teacher for not bringing their instruments, adding the male students don’t have to stand next to the teacher when they forget their instruments, they get to stay at their desks. The sibling felt the contact was inappropriate and took it upon himself to record the situation.

Detectives worked through the weekend to locate and interview the nine-year old, as well as witnesses and other possible victims. One other 10-year old female student was identified, located, and interviewed. She also acknowledged touching by the music teacher she felt was inappropriate.

Detectives arrested the teacher Monday morning. The school superintendent was contacted and briefed on the investigation.

The suspect was booked at the county jail on two counts of Assault 4th Degree with Sexual Motivation for the inappropriate touching of the 9- and 10-year-old female students. Detectives are also looking into other students who may be victims of this behavior.

On Tuesday, the suspectwas in the Grays Harbor County Jail awaiting arraignment.