South Tahoe High School teacher arrested on sexual misconduct charges

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A South Tahoe High School (STHS) woodshop teacher has been arrested for misdemeanor sexual misconduct.

Nathan Crnich, 39, was arrested Thursday morning for alleged sexual advances on multiple students and is currently in the El Dorado County Jail on $150,000 bail.

Last month, high school staff notified the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) School Resource Officer (SRO) of an STHS teacher who was inappropriately touching students in class. Crnich was immediately placed on administrative leave by school administration while a preliminary investigation started. At the time of his arrest on Thursday, he was no longer on leave and was back teaching.

Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) said they cannot comment on personnel matters and would not say why Crnich was back in the classroom. He was also the school's golf team coach.

Crnich was asked to meet the SRO in the STHS office Thursday morning and was placed under arrest.

SLTPD found three, and a possible fourth student, who reported inappropriate conduct by Crnich. SLTPD, in conjunction with the El Dorado District Attorney’s Office, determined Crnich was suspect in multiple inappropriate interactions with his students.

This is an active and ongoing investigation. SLTPD encourages anyone who may have been in contact with Crnich or may be a victim, to please contact the South Lake Tahoe Police Department at (530) 542-6100.

LTUSD sent out a message to parents, advising them of the arrest. Superintendent Dr. James Tarwater said it is now a police matter and all questions should be directed to SLTPD.