Mike Stunson
The Charlotte Observer
A high school teacher was charged with multiple sex crimes after police in Missouri say she had a sexual relationship with one of her students.
The Nixa High School teacher, identified as Lena Stewart, was placed on administrative leave in December when school officials learned of the allegations, the school district said in a letter to parents.
Stewart was charged Monday, Jan. 23, with statutory rape, sodomy, sexual contact with a student and sexual misconduct, court records show.
Nixa Public Schools said it “will continue to follow board policy and procedure” as the investigation continues.
“The district will be working with the appropriate authorities as they conduct their investigation and will cooperate fully with anything they need,” the letter to parents said.
Court records show the alleged offenses began in October. Stewart taught agricultural science and was an FFA leader at the school, where she has been employed since 2021, according to the Springfield News-Leader.
The victim was a 16-year-old student, who told authorities he felt pressured into the relationship because he was getting an ”A” in Stewart’s class, according to KOLR and KY3, citing officials.
“The pair would meet up at a friend’s house and Stewart would drive them to a secluded place for intercourse,” according to a probable cause statement obtained by KOLR.
BREAKING: A Nixa High School agriculture teacher, 27-year-old Lena Stewart, faces 7 charges including rape and sexual contact with a student. The school put her on leave when allegations surfaced in December, though court docs show she was charged in October. pic.twitter.com/G8vK8wSTUm
— Lauren Barnas (@laurenbarnastv) January 23, 2023
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