Are Student-Teacher Sexual Assaults Trending in Cherokee?

In light of the recent arrest of teachers who were accused of sexual assault by a person of authority and failing to report an incident, rumors swirled of teachers who had been arrested in the past and even schools who had a “reputation” for this kind of behavior.

So, is it a growing trend? And is it a problem in Cherokee County?

In the past three years there have been seven similar cases.

In 2008, Steven Emanuel, a basketball coach was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy. 

Emanuel was sentenced to five years probation, according to the Cherokee Tribune. 

Also in 2008, Matthew Gantz, a drama teacher was arrested and charged with sexual assault against a student.

In January 2010, Kyle Campbell, a special education teacher at was arrested on charges that he molested a male student.

In  February 2011, Raymond Watts, a teacher was arrested for p.  

In 2011 two in connection with the sexual assault of a student.  was arrested on Aug. 11 after turning himself into authorities. He was charged with sexual assault by a person of authority.

Another teacher, Kristin May, was also arrested and charged with failure to report in the incident. 

Outside of the school system, one coach was arrested earlier this summer on charges of child pornography.was arrested in May and charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of children. 

So, is this a growing trend nationwide or is it Cherokee specific?

An AP report described the sexual misconduct by teachers in American schools as a “widespread problem.”

“Students in America’s schools are groped. They’re raped. They’re pursued, seduced and think they’re in love,” the report said.

Emails to the Cherokee County Board of Education were not returned.