Cherokee, Iowa — A Cherokee Washington High School teacher has been fired after being charged with sexual exploitation of a minor in March.
Instrumental Music Teacher, 46-year-old Joseph Vannatta of Cherokee was arrested on March 26th on a charge of Sexual Exploitation by a School Employee, a class D felony. The board voted to terminate Vannatta on Wednesday.
According to court documents, a Cherokee High School student filed a complaint against Vannatta in April of last year. Authorities say the student believed they were being groomed by Vannatta to have a relationship with him. After interviewing the student, investigators determined Vannatta had engaged in a scheme to “insert himself into the student’s sexual life.” Vannatta allegedly had counseling sessions with the student, sent Snapchats to the student on a regular basis, and talked to the student about sexually explicit topics. At one point, Vannatta allegedly provided his home to the student and the person the student was dating. Court documents don’t say if Vannatta and the student had any physical contact.
Vannatta faces up to five years in prison if convicted. Court documents say his arraignment date is set for June 3rd.
