An initial court date has been set for a Fairfield High School teacher accused of grooming and sexual exploitation.

Vannen Crabtree Jr., 57, of Richland, has been charged with grooming and sexual exploitation by a school employee, both class D felonies. He has also been charged with lascivious conduct with a minor, an aggravated misdemeanor. 

According to the Fairfield Police Department, officers received a complaint on January 28th from a parent regarding their juvenile daughter. The complaint involved suspicions of inappropriate contact between the juvenile and an adult male teacher at Fairfield High School. Following an investigation, Crabtree was arrested on February 5th. He was held at the Jefferson County Correctional Facility, but posted bond on February 6th.

Crabtree was listed as an industrial arts teacher on the school’s website.

Crabtree is set to appear in court for an initial appearance at 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 12. A no contact order has been issued by the Iowa District Court for Jefferson County.