PRIMGHAR, IA (Northwestiowanow) – A South O’Brien School District teacher has been charged following an investigation into alleged sexual communications with a 17-year-old student.
According to records filed in O’Brien County District Court, a four-week investigation was launched after a mandatory reporter made a report on August 5 regarding alleged Snapchat conversations between 37-year-old Priscilla Dawn Jenness and a 17-year-old male student.
Authorities allege Jenness added the student on Snapchat on July 8 and exchanged inappropriate messages and sexually explicit images. Court documents further allege the student sent a sexual photograph to Jenness after being asked to do so.
Investigators obtained search warrants for social media records and cellphone data and conducted interviews as part of the investigation. Authorities say the South O’Brien School District cooperated with investigators throughout the process.
Court documents indicate investigators found no allegations of physical contact between Jenness and the student.
A criminal case was filed in O’Brien County District Court on September 1. Jenness turned herself in to the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office on September 5 and was released after posting an $11,000 surety bond.
Jenness is charged with Sexual Exploitation by School Employee, a Class D felony; Grooming, a Class D felony; and Dissemination and Exhibition of Obscene Material to Minors, a serious misdemeanor.
