VERNAL — A former Uintah High School teacher who was investigated three years ago for sexual activity with a student has now been arrested for that crime after detectives received new information, including full disclosure from the alleged victim.
Rodd Adam Repsher, 33, of Vernal, was arrested on Wednesday for investigation of six counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a 16-year-old.
On Oct. 11, 2016, a teacher spotted Repsher in his classroom with a 16-year-old female student and he appeared to be pressed against her, according a police affidavit filed in 8th District Court.
“Later that evening Rodd told the teacher that he had true feelings for the victim and they were going to go away together after she graduates. Rodd told the teacher that he and the victim had kissed,” the affidavit states.
That information was passed on to the school resource officer, who is also a Uintah County sheriff’s deputy. Repsher was placed on administrative leave that same day.
“Repsher’s employment was subsequently terminated and his conduct was reported to the Utah Professional Practices Advisory Committee,” according to a prepared statement from the Uintah School District.
No criminal charges were filed at that time.
On July 16, a witness approached the same school resource officer with more information about what allegedly happened nearly three years earlier.
The witness told police that the alleged victim in the case told her she was having a relationship with Repsher and that the witness observed the two kiss multiple times at Repsher’s house, the affidavit states.
“The witness said they all had plans to move to another state together. The witness further disclosed anytime during school the girls needed comfort, Rodd would kiss them on the cheek as well as slap their butts in his classroom. The witness said Rodd spoke about having feelings for the victim, wanted a relationship with the victim and planned on leaving his current girlfriend,” according to the report.
The alleged victim now lives in another state. On July 30, a Uintah County sheriff’s deputy contacted her and on Sept. 19 she was formally interviewed.
“During this interview the victim disclosed having multiple sexual encounters with Rodd Repsher, who was employed as a teacher at the Uintah High School. The victim stated this started while she was a sophomore at the high school,” the affidavit states.
The girl said the two had sex in the school, Repsher’s residence and a local business, according to the affidavit.
”I am grateful for the dedication shown by detective (Jason) Turnbow and the other investigators in this case. I am also proud of those who came forward and spoke with investigators,” Uintah Schools Superintendent Mark Dockins said.
”This incident clearly illustrates the importance of school resource officers,” Dockins added. “They are a vital part of our school community and the relationships they form with our administrators, teachers and students help keep our campuses safe.”
The investigation is ongoing because the original report in 2016 involved allegations of multiple victims, according to the district. No formal charges have been filed in the case.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 435-789-2511.