Garza's case sent to prosecutor

Moses Lake teacher's contract not renewed

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Prosecutor's Office received the results of a police investigation into the alleged relationship between a Moses Lake teacher and a female student.

First-year high school Spanish teacher Alex Garza, 25, remains on paid administrative leave until his contract expires Aug. 31, said District Superintendent Steve Chestnut.

Chestnut said Garza's contract was not renewed.

"As of right now, he's non-renewed and he has not been offered a contract for next year," he said.

Garza was placed on administrative leave May 2 after Moses Lake School District staff became aware of allegations against Garza and initiated an investigation through Canfield & Associates. The district contacted the police department as a result of the initial investigation findings.

The Moses Lake Police forwarded their police investigation results to the Grant County Prosecutor's Office, according to Moses Lake Police Capt. Jim Jenkins.

Details of the allegations have not been released.

Deputy Prosecutor Carolyn Fair has the report and will decide if there is cause to file charges. The Columbia Basin Herald was unable to reach Fair for comment, as she is out of office until next week, according to office staff.

Charges have not been filed in Grant County Superior Court, according to the Grant County Superior Court Clerk's Office.