Ore. teacher removed from school during 'misconduct' investigation
SHERWOOD, Ore. – A Sherwood High School teacher was put on administrative leave on Monday after the district learned she was being investigated for alleged sexual contact with a student.
The teacher's name is Denise Keesee, according to Sgt. Bob Ray with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Ray said they are investigating reports that Keesee had some kind of sexual contact with at least one student. They also want to hear from anyone else who has information about the case.
He said they first got word of the allegations about a month ago from the Department of Human Services. On Monday, investigators determined it necessary to contact the school district and Keesee was immediately put on administrative leave.
Ray said investigators escorted Keesee out of school and questioned her.
Michelle DeBoard, the human resources director for the district, said Keesee has been at the high school since 2006.
“The district responded immediately and removed the teacher from school,” DeBoard said.
A KATU reporter tried to speak with Keesee at her home on Friday morning. We heard people in the home, but nobody answered the door.
So far no formal charges have been filed.
Keesee's husband works at the Sherwood Police Department and is the school's resource officer. He has not been connected to the investigation and the state agency that licenses police officers told KATU he has a clean record.
One neighbor we talked with on Friday said she was surprised by the allegation.
"They've just been a lovely family," said Dorothy Orth. "I can't believe it that there would be anything there."
Do you live in Sherwood and have information about the investigation? E-mail newstips@katu.com
KATU reporters Thom Jensen and Valerie Hurst contributed to this report
WOW!! he husband is a police officer there too! im curious what this kid looked like. she's beautiful and it just doesn't make any sense, especially if she has a husband!
if this was a man, wouldn't the charge be "rape" or "sexual assult"?
@Brett, while I do understand your reasoning, I still believe that it is totally wrong to give her name and picture as well as her husbands name and employment before charges are filed. After charges, maybe then, but before, never. Something sounds fishy anyways.Â
 @Glen Glen I am not saying I'm for it or against her identity being revealed.  But from the training I have had over the years it was made clear that as a teacher I would be held to a higher standard.  Every teacher reviews and signs a personal behavior memorandum stating was is expected and what the possible consequences are if those standards are violated.  With the agreement of the teacher union our district can publish the names of suspended teachers along with notification of suspension to the state board of education.  Also many parents would have a valid argument about knowing a teacher is being suspended and for what reason.  Â
Also in this case it appears that the Department of Human Services contacted the district.  That is clear signal that whomever reported this was mandated to do so by law, normally within 24 hours of discovery.  It was likely another teacher.  Failure to report cases of abuse could result in that person being held under penalty of law. Â
 @Brett  @Glen I agree with ya Brett. it's been going on for several weeks and nobody knew about it but she got suspended, they have probably cause and it just makes sense that people should know what's going on around their neighborhood, especially their school!
It is understandable that folks would question why this person's identity is being splashed across the media.  I am a teacher also (have been for 17 yrs) and have seen these investigations before.  Typically teachers are not removed and charged until evidence for removal is discovered.  Such as an admission or electronic evidence.  I am not familiar with the practices in Oregon but I would think that  "he said she said" information would not be sufficient to get a teacher suspended.  Also in the district in which I teach the investigation involves notification of the teachers union.  There is careful examination of legal rights of the accused before any suspension is handed down.  Since it seems this investigation has been ongoing for some time there is likely enough evidence to remove this teacher for the school.  As for her identity being revealed she is a public employee who is paid by taxpayer funds which makes this public information.  Situation would be the same for any public official.   Â
She can abuse me any day...
They first got word a month ago, her husband works at the same school as the school officer. Â Something is not right?????????????
I agree with lovestolearn. Too many times accusations turn out to be false and I can only imagine that once your name is out there in the media you're never going to shake the false image. If someone has not even been charged with a crime their name should not be released. And why did the investigators have to come to the school and escort her out? That's not right. If she was cooperating with the school administration she should have been allowed to leave quietly and meet the investigators outside.
Interesting since the news agency, school district and police department may all find themselves being sued for Defamation should this investigation prove this woman is innocent. Very irresponsible on the news agencies part for disclosing this woman's name and photo without charges.
So in a story about an investigation of serious allegations involving inappropriate sexual contact between a teacher and a student who may or may not be underaged, where there may or not be other victims or even witnesses who could exonerate this woman, KATU encourages readers to alert the media rather than investigating officers?Â
Â
You stay classy, there, folks.Â
I think it is sort of...not right to release a name with a picture when she has not been charged. What if the investigation shows she was falsely accused?