Last Updated on June 13, 2022
A former teacher in Harrison County, Iowa has been arrested after being accused of molesting at least six students. The investigation began in April, according to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office.
Benjamin T. Work, a former teacher who worked for the West Harrison School District, was arrested at his home on June 10. He had resigned from his job with West Harrison schools nearly a week before his arrest.
According to investigators, an investigation was launched into Work’s conduct this past April after the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office received a tip on April 22. The Iowa teacher was placed on leave that same day, according to KETV.
Work has been charged with five felony counts of Sexual Exploitation by a School Employee. He has also been charged with five misdemeanor counts of Lascivious Conduct with a Minor and two misdemeanor counts of Indecent Contact with a Child.
Throughout the course of the investigation, law enforcement discovered evidence of inappropriate contact between Work and at least six students. The alleged abuse reportedly took place between the fall of 2021 and the spring of 2022.
Agents with Iowa’s Division of Criminal Investigation also took part in the investigation, KETV reported.
Work resigned from his position with Harrison County Schools on June 3, a week before his arrest.
