A former Pella Community School District band instructor accused of sexually exploiting a student last May was arrested this week.
Pella Schools Superintendent Greg Ebeling tells KNIA/KRLS News that the district began an investigation into 31-year-old Benjamin James Thompson last fall, and turned over evidence to the Pella Police department shortly thereafter. Ebeling says the district can not comment further on the matter, citing a nondisclosure clause in a severance agreement. The Pella School Board accepted his resignation from the district in November, and in his letter to the board, Thompson cited personal reasons as to why he left. He wrote the following in a document obtained by KNIA/KRLS News:
“Please accept my resignation from my teaching and coaching positions at the Pella Community School District, effective November 30, 2014. At this time for personal reasons, I regret that I must tender my resignation. I appreciate the opportunities that the District provided me.”
He faces three charges of sexual exploitation by a school employee. A preliminary court hearing has been scheduled on Friday, June 19th. Thompson was released on bond Thursday.