Former private school teacher accused of student affair

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Monday, July 14, 2014

HANCOCK PARK, Calif. (KABC) -- The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating allegations that a former Marlborough School teacher behaved inappropriately with two students.

School officials reported the allegations to police and child protective services after a former student came forward last week claiming she had an "inappropriate physical relationship" with teacher Joe Koetters nearly a decade ago.

This was not the first time Koetters, who resigned in 2013, has been accused of improper conduct.

Two years ago, a student told school administrators that Koetters had sent suggestive personal emails. On June 30, the same student posted an essay online about the details of the situation, alleging that the teacher once touched her knee.

That essay was distributed to current Marlborough parents. The second student came forward shortly after.

A school investigation is now underway.

"Marlborough's most important priority has always been the safety and well-being of our students," Head of School Barbara Wagner said in a statement.

Marlborough School is an all-girls private school in Hancock Park with students grade 7 through 12.