Ankeny Police have arrested a teacher and coach in the Ankeny Community School District accused having a sexual relationship with a student.
Police say 34-year old Rachel Whiteside is facing several charges stemming from a relationship they say she had with a former student in the district between 2015 to 2018.
The district's website lists her as a middle school math teacher at Northview Middle School, and assistant softball coach at Ankeny Centennial.
Whiteside turned herself into police this morning.
You can read the full release from the Ankeny Police Department below:
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. 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 Rachel Whiteside (34) 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.
Whiteside is charged with Sex Abuse 3rd, Sexual Exploitation by a school employee (4 counts), and Lascivious contact with a Minor. Whiteside turned herself in earlier this morning at the Ankeny Police Department and was transported to the Polk Co. Jail.