Police indicate problem involves a student

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake High School teacher Alex Garza, 25, is on paid leave pending an investigation of an alleged relationship between him and a student.

The first-year Spanish teacher 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.

"An independent investigator was retained to look into the concerns. As a result of the information received by the investigator on May 3, the district contacted the police department, which as of Monday was still investigating," Special Assistant to the Superintendent P.J. De Benedetti said. "The school district staff is cooperating fully with the police department on their investigation."

District Superintendent Steve Chestnut said he was unable to disclose the reason for investigating Garza. The Moses Lake Police confirmed the investigation, but declined to discuss what crime may have occurred.

"The Moses Lake Police Department was contacted by an investigator from Canfield & Associates," said Moses Lake Police Chief Dean Mitchell. "The investigator provided information which resulted in a criminal investigation at Moses Lake High School involving a student and teacher. The nature of the allegations being investigated will be forthcoming after the investigation is complete."

Mitchell declined to reveal further information.

A Moses Lake student corresponding with KREM 2 television station accused Garza of drinking alcohol at high school parties and having sexual relations with a female student.

Garza was replaced by a substitute teacher, said De Benedetti.

Teachers on administrative leave are prohibited from having contact with students and are restricted from entering school property, De Benedetti added.