Former Idaho teacher, coach charged with child sex abuse

A former high school teacher and coach for Eagle High School has been charged with rape, sexual battery of a minor and other crimes after prosecutors say he sexually abused a teen girl.

Jeff Lewis Ranstrom made his first appearance in court on Thursday, and has not yet entered a plea. Court records do not show if he has obtained an attorney.

West Ada School District spokesman Eric Exline says Ranstrom was a social studies teacher and the head boys basketball coach, and he resigned from both positions on Sept. 23.

Ada County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Patrick Orr says investigators believe Ranstrom had contact with the 17-year-old girl dozens of times between March and August. Orr says the investigation began after a third party contacted authorities.

AP Only 2019