(IA)
Our Quad Cities [Scott County, IA]
February 13, 2024
By Kelly Maricle
A former Dowling Catholic High School teacher is now pleading guilty after being charged for an alleged sexual relationship with a student.
Online court records show Kristen Gantt, 36, entered a written plea of guilty Friday to one count of sexual exploitation by a school employee. The charge is a misdemeanor.
She had originally been charged in February of 2023 with two counts of sexual exploitation by a school employee, one a class D felony and one a misdemeanor. Gantt faces a prison sentence of up to two years and a fine of up to $8,500. She’ll also be placed on the Sex Offender Registry.
Investigators with the West Des Moines Police Department said Gantt sexually exploited a 17-year-old male student during February and March of 2023. Court documents claim that she and the student exchanged messages on their school email accounts, private emails, and Instagram.
Court documents also said they believe the two had a physical relationship in Gantt’s classroom after school hours.