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PD: Teacher arrested for student relationship

Posted at 8:38 PM, Oct 02, 2015
and last updated 2015-10-02 23:38:17-04

A Peoria teacher was arrested after an alleged three-year-long sexual relationship with a then 15-year-old student, officials said.

Peoria police said 45-year-old Brian Woolsey's wife, Jennifer, was also taken into custody. She is accused of knowing of the relationship but not informing authorities.

Both Brian and Jennifer are teachers at Sunrise Mountain High School.

"That's devastating, like really devastating,” said Markeith Hawkins, a freshman at Sunrise Mountain High School.

Peoria police arrested the couple after the victim, who is now an adult, contacted officials.

The Peoria Unified School District said both teachers were taken into custody on Friday, but were not arrested on school property.”

Officials said the school had "no information" regarding the incident prior to the district finding out Friday morning. Both individuals were placed on administrative leave and are being investigated by school officials.

"Honestly, it's a shock,” said neighbor Phil Pankretz.

“It's weird to think my kids would play with their kids,” he explained.

Pankretz says the Woolsey’s have two kids around ages 4 and 6.

He says the couple seemed friendly, but kept to themselves.

"As a parent I would be devastated with that was my child,” said Pankretz.

Brian Woolsey faces several charges including multiple counts of sexual conduct with a minor as well as two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Peoria officials ask anyone with information to contact them at (623) 773-8311.