Othello teacher accused of child molestation

OTHELLO - The Othello Police Department completed an investigation Friday into claims an elementary school teacher molested a 10-year-old male student.

Officers have recommended the Adams County Prosecutor's Office charge Lisa Davis, a fifth grade teacher at Scootney Springs Elementary, with two counts of first-degree child molestation.

According to the Othello School District Administrative office, Davis resigned.

Othello Police Chief Steve Dunnagan said employees with the Othello School District came to police with information of alleged inappropriate behavior between Davis and a 10-year-old male student about one month ago.

Davis also allegedly took the student to a movie.

Dunnagan said officers filed the recommended charges Friday with the prosecutor's office, adding the results of the month investigation "revealed enough information to support criminality." Davis was under investigation since May 30.

Randy Flyckt, of the prosecutor's office, said the recommendations are currently being reviewed by prosecutor's to make a decision on any potential criminal charges.

Flyckt said he anticipates a charging decision in the near future, possibly by the end of the week.

"We have placed the matter on an expedited review basis," he added.

Othello School District Superintendent George Juarez was unavailable for comment Monday.

Flyckt said he could not release any more information in the report until any official charges are filed against Davis.

Davis was named Teacher of the Month by KHQ TV and Eastern Washington University in March 2012.

She began her first year with the Othello School District in 1997, according to an Othello Outlook article.

At the time, she was married with three children.