POLK COUNTY, Iowa—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a teacher and coach for alleged sex crimes with a student.
In late January 2024, the administration of the Ankeny School District notified the Ankeny Police Department about allegations of an inappropriate sexual relationship that occurred between a former student and a teacher/coach beginning in 2015, according to a media release.
This relationship continued for several years and was recently reported to the Ankeny School District by the victim.
The Ankeny Police Department immediately investigated these allegations. After this investigation, it was determined 34-year-old Rachel Whiteside, a teacher and coach with the Ankeny Community School District, engaged in a pattern of sexual conduct with the victim while they attended the Ankeny Community School District between the years of 2015 – 2018.
The victim's report claims Whiteside abused them on school district property, though they were in contact electronically as well. Court documents allege Whiteside "used her role as a teacher and coach to make the student feel comfortable and share intimate details of the student's life" and was "methodical in her actions".
"She’s a threat to children based on what she has done to me and should be monitored. I believe she is currently doing this to a former student of Ankeny Centennial as well," the victim's report reads in part.
Whiteside is being held on requested charges with Sex Abuse 3rd, Sexual Exploitation by a school employee (4 counts), and Lascivious contact with a Minor. Whiteside turned herself in this week at the Ankeny Police Department and was transported to the Polk Co. Jail.