QUEEN CREEK, AZ — A Queen Creek teacher is in custody after allegedly possessing and showing an inappropriate image to a student.
Queen Creek police say they were called to Crismon High School last week for reports of an incident that occurred between a teacher and a student.
Police say the teacher was accused of having and showing an inappropriate image to the student.
The teacher, 56-year-old Brett Smith, was arrested Friday.
The Queen Creek Unified School District released the following statement on the arrest:
"We have been made aware of the arrest of [now] former CHS teacher, Brett Smith, for showing harmful materials to minors. CHS has cooperated fully with the Queen Creek Police Department during the investigation. Student safety is a top priority at QCUSD. We want to assure you that we are taking every step necessary to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment. There is no additional information that can be provided at this time."
The arrest comes after a series of arrests involving teachers and other school staff members across the Valley in recent weeks.
On March 21, Buckeye police arrested a 23-year-old former teacher and athletic coach accused of sex crimes involving a student.
Almost a week later, a teacher at Independence High School in Glendale was arrested for allegedly secretly recording students while they were undressing.
Then, on April 10, former Peoria High School basketball coach and prominent Valley sports fan known as "Mr. ORNG" was arrested on charges related to child sex crimes.
