Investigation Uncovers American Falls Teacher-Student Relationship

An investigation into a relationship between a student and a teacher in American Falls has a local sheriff pushing for charges.

After a complaint from the American Falls School District and an investigation, Power County Sheriff Jim Jeffries wants Zenna Galeria, 23, charged with felony sexual battery, he said.

The relationship started at the American Falls High School, where Galeria taught. It began with some simple text messages but developed into more. Jeffries would not disclose exactly what kind of conduct happened in the relationship but said the charge of sexual battery means some physical contact would have to be involved.

“You’ve heard of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child under 16? Basically sexual battery just extends that age from under 16 to 16 and 17,” Jeffries said.

Galeria’s public blog said she was an English as a Second Language aide and that she is married. Local News 8 reached out to Galeria through her blog but has not yet received a comment. Jeffries said she fully complied with the investigation.

Galeria has yet to be formally charged. The county prosecutor was not in the office Wednesday, and the earliest that Galeria might be charged is Friday.

This would be the second case since 2010 for American Falls High School, when William Hamilton pleaded guilty to two counts of statutory rape. Jeffries says the school is not to blame.

“There’s nothing about American Falls or the school district there that tends to make something like that more likely to happen than anywhere else. In fact I have to commend the school district for being on top of things,” he said.

The district issued this statement today:

“Zenna Galeria, head volleyball coach and teacher’s aide at American Falls High School for one year has been relieved of her duties following a district investigation for events associated with her district responsibilities. Since this is a personnel matter, the district will have no further comment, but a search for a replacement is presently underway.”

Angela Campirano lives in Aamerican Falls and she is a substitute at the school. She said that someone working with kids can never be too careful.

“I mean just not to even let any room for that stuff to come in. Whether it’s true or not, just don’t put yourself in that situation. It can put you in a lot of trouble,” Campirano said.

—————— ORIGINAL STORY:

A teacher in the American Falls School District is facing felony charges after deputies said she had an inappropriate relationship with one of her students.

The Power County Sheriff?s Office started an investigation after high school administrators said there may have been a relationship between Zenna Galeria, 23, and a 17-year-old student.

The investigation showed there was a relationship, which started when Galeria and the student were texting each other during the second half of the 2010-2011 school year, deputies said. It lasted for about five months, they said.

Galeria will be charged with sexual battery of a minor between 16-and 17-years-old. The charge carries a maximum of 15 years in prison if convicted.

Deputies said Galeria has been cooperative during the investigation. She is not currently teaching, coaching and school-related activities, deputies said.

Galeria was the head volleyball coach at the high school. The school district released a statement on Wednesday that said Galeria had been “relieved of her duties.”