Eastern Iowa teacher accused of inappropriately touching student

A Columbus Junction High School Spanish teacher was arrested Thursday for allegedly touching the inner thigh of a student last November. 

Eusebio Jimenez, 33, was charged with one count of sexual exploitation by a school employee Thursday, a Class D Felony. On Nov. 5, Jimenez allegedly touched the inner thigh of a 15-year-old student while she was in his classroom, sent her sexually suggestive text messages and engaged in sexually suggestive conversations with the student, according to a criminal complaint. 

An attorney for Jimenez was not listed. Bond was set at $5,000. 

Jimenez is suspended with pay pending the outcome of the criminal procedure “or such time as we are told that we can make a change,” said Gary Benda, Columbus Community School District superintendent. 

“We will not have him on school grounds,” Benda said.

Staff writer Daniel Finney contributed to this report.