(KIWA) — A South O’Brien teacher is facing two felony charges following an investigation into allegations that she sent sexually explicit Snapchat messages and images to a 17-year-old student from another O’Brien County school district.
The O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office says 37-year-old Priscilla Jenness of Primghar is charged with sexual exploitation by a school employee and grooming, both Class D felonies. She also faces a misdemeanor charge of dissemination and exhibition of obscene material to a minor.
Investigation Began With Mandatory Reporter
According to the sheriff’s office, the South O’Brien School District reported the matter to law enforcement in August after receiving a report from a mandatory reporter.
Authorities say the district began an internal investigation after being told that Jenness had allegedly been sending Snapchats sexual in nature to a 17-year-old male student who attends another school district in O’Brien County.
The sheriff’s office says some of the images allegedly sent to the student were included in the report provided to law enforcement.
South O’Brien School District officials fully cooperated with the investigation, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies say their investigation lasted approximately four weeks and included search warrants for social media records and cell phone data, along with interviews.
Authorities say the alleged activity appears to have taken place online. No physical contact between Jenness and the student is alleged.
Jenness Posts $11,000 Bond
Jenness turned herself in to the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday, September 5.
She was released later that day after posting an $11,000 bond.
Sexual exploitation by a school employee and grooming are both Class D felonies. A conviction on either felony charge can carry a prison sentence of up to five years.
O’Brien County Sheriff Bruce Devereaux reminds the public that Jenness is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
