BREAKING NEWS: Highland High School teacher accused of sexual exploitation

A Highland High School teacher was arrested Thursday, accused of sexual exploitation of a student.

The arrested man was Justin David Rapier, 41, of Marion, according to a news release from the Washington County Sheriff’s office. According to the release, the Sheriff’s department received a complaint for the case on Dec. 17.

“During the investigation, it was determined that the sexual abuse involved a minor female student at Highland High School,” the release said.

Rapier was arrested Thursday and charged with sexual exploitation. For school employees, the offense is a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

According to the Washington County Communications daily media report issued Friday morning, Rapier was taken into custody by Marion police in the 1200 block of Huron Drive in Marion just after noon Thursday.

Rapier is listed as a high school language arts teacher and yearbook adviser on the Highland Community School District’s website.

Superintendent Ken Crawford said the district had been made aware of the complaint in December, and took action immediately thereafter.

“The staff member was suspended immediately when our district was made aware of the allegations and the staff member has not been in any district buildings since the suspension,” Crawford said in a news release. “The district worked with law enforcement with their investigation.”

Crawford said moves to suspend employees were the call of the the superintendent, but that decisions to fire the employee would have to go through the school board.

“Any termination or anything like that would require a board hearing,” he said. “That’s the procedure for anybody.”

Crawford said in the news release that the district remained committed to student safety.

“We remain focused on our students, staff and community,” he said. “The safety and well-being of our students remains our top priority, and we will do everything we can to support them. We thank you for your continued support and patience.”