Chartwell School theatre teacher arrested for sending inappropriate text messages to student, police say

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION-TV): Chartwell private school in Seaside sent a message to parents and staff last Friday, and it said Seaside police arrested faculty member Aaron Kanak for allegedly texting inappropriate things to a 16-year-old high school female student.

"Without question, these are text messages where he is trying to solicit a relationship with her that is, highly inappropriate and unlawful." said Seaside Police Chief, Nick Borges.

Police said the text messages between the 16-year-old high school female student and Kanak was going on for a few months before a parent filed a report against the teacher.

"She was responsive to him but did not engage to him in that kinda of a way," said Seaside Police Chief, Borges, "I think she was very shocked that her teacher would be doing this."

Chartwell staff wouldn't speak on camera, but said in the coming days and weeks they will be working with students to reinforce how they can bring forward concerns to trusted adults. They also said their counselors will be available to students who are having difficulty processing the news.

Seaside police said Kanak is also accused of attempting to destroy evidence.

"Certainly, we believe he was trying to take steps to destroy evidence in this case that he would not be held accountable and fortunately we were able to intercept that." said Seaside Police Chief, Borges.

Chartwell Director of Advancement and Communication said Kanak is no longer employed by Chartwell private school.

Seaside police said at this point they don't have information about other possible vicitms, but if there is, they want people to contact police directly.

Seaside Police said they have arrested a Chartwell School theatre teacher for allegedly sending inappropriate text messages to a 16-year-old student.

The investigation started on March 14 when officers said a parent reported that their daughter was receiving inappropriate and unlawful text messages from a theatre teacher at Chartwell School.

Police said that school staff was notified of the investigation and placed 29-year-old Aaron Kanak on administrative leave. Investigators said they gathered evidence and arrested Kanak at his home in Monterey.

Seaside Police said that Kanak admitted to the crimes he commited.

Kanak has been booked into the Monterey County Jail on multiple charges including annoying/molesting a minor, dissuading a witness/victim and attempting to destroy evidence.

If you have any information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact Seaside Police.