South Lake Tahoe Police investigate suspicious communications between substitute and STMS students

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Acting on information received from the concerned parent of a South Tahoe Middle School (STMS) student, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) has opened an investigation into suspicious communication between a substitute teacher and students.

All parents of involved students who received the alleged communications have been contacted by SLTPD and Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD). The incident(s) happened last week but information is being released at this time to ensure all students and their families had the opportunity to speak with the authorities.

LTUSD is working closely with the SLTPD detectives on the matter and it is under investigation. As a proactive step, the substitute teacher was removed immediately from substituting for LTUSD as they await the results of the investigation.

Anyone with further information about this case please email the SLTPD Detective Division at crimetips@cityslt.us. No other information is available at this time. At this time authorities are not saying how many students may have received the message(s).

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority, said the District in a letter to parents.

"It is our district's steadfast commitment to create a secure environment for all students. LTUSD will take proactive measures to reinforce appropriate staff-to-student interactions and will work closely with our students to help them recognize and report any inappropriate communications from adults," LTUSD stated in the letter.