Tempe high school instructor arrested

TEMPE, AZ - A Tempe high school assistant band director has been arrested on charges of sexual misconduct, authorities say.

Tempe Police say Chandler resident Andrew Islas was arrested around 7 p.m. Tuesday.

According to police, Tempe High School administrators called police after learning that Islas had been engaged in an ongoing sexual relationship with a 16-year-old female student.

Police say the alleged sexual contact occurred multiple times from August to November at various locations, including his home.

Police say the student was 15 at the beginning of the relationship.

They are investigating whether any of the incidents occurred on campus.

Students at Tempe High School told ABC 15 they were not surprised Islas got in trouble with a student of his.

They described him as a fun guy who was really close to his students.

Many at the school said the assistant band director should have known better.

"I think that's really weird because he's 23, and she's only like, a Freshman or Sophomore,” Tempe High School Student Chavez Benally said. “To even consider that is really awkward. I don't know what he was thinking."

While being interviewed, detectives say Islas made statements admitting to the inappropriate relationship.

Islas faces six counts of sexual conduct with a minor, all felonies. Police say the investigation is ongoing with the possibility of other charges.

School officials are meeting with parents of the band students about the incident.