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PD: Teacher arrested for stalking, assault

Posted at 9:46 AM, Feb 07, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-08 20:31:08-05

Phoenix police say a Valley teacher is accused of reportedly stalking and assaulting a teenage student.

Michael Sporrer, 36, was arrested on Saturday morning after the victim's parents told police about numerous inappropriate text messages she received.

The victim, a 15-year-old girl, told police that she was being harassed by Sporrer who police say was "constantly sending her text messages in an effort to follow her every move while expressing his love for her."

The girl also said that Sporrer repeatedly touched her--not sexually--but in ways that made her uncomfortable.

Sporrer was booked into jail on counts of stalking and aggravated assault, both felonies.

Horizon High School, which is a part of the Paradise Valley Unified School District, lists a "Michael Sporrer" as a staff member in the band and strings department, but Phoenix police have not confirmed the suspect's place of employment. 

However, the Paradise Valley Unified School District released a statement on Sunday in regards to the arrest. A spokeswoman said she did not know what the tenure of the teacher's employment with the district was, but did confirm that a teacher from the district was arrested on Saturday and faces stalking and assault charges. 

"At PVSchools, our first priority is always the safety and well-being of our students. We take all allegations of misconduct very seriously, and work in cooperation with law enforcement on all police matters. In addition, PVSchools adheres to its own internal policies and protocols as established by the Governing Board. We were notified that a teacher was arrested and booked on stalking and assault charges by the Phoenix Police Department on February 6th. According to the Phoenix Police Department, there are no indications that the relationship was sexual in nature and there are no additional victims. In closing, PVSchools and Horizon High School are cooperating fully with the Phoenix Police Department on the investigation and will provide the police with any support requested. As this is an ongoing police investigation, any additional questions about the case should be referred to the Phoenix Police Department."

Stay with ABC15 for updates.