Last week, three students came into Principal Maliki Wojcicki’s office at Wilson Elementary School in Phoenix, Ariz. They told him that they saw their teacher urinating in a can during class, and that they had even seen his genitals, per multiple reports.
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According to FOX 10, the students who came to Wojcicki’s office included one 12-year-old boy and three 11-year-old girls.
After students told the principal about the incident on March 18, the Phoenix Police Department was called to the school. Arizona’s Family identified the teacher as 52-year-old Curtis Hinton and said he is facing four felony counts of indecent exposure. Citing his LinkedIn page, reports noted that Hinton said he previously served in the military and that he is an English Language Development Educator.
“The students told the principal and police that they heard what sounded like falling water, then looked over and saw Hinton urinating into a container,” said Arizona’s Family. Furthermore, it said that detectives noted that Hinton’s desk was not enclosed.
After Hinton was taken into police custody and brought to police headquarters, he allegedly admitted to unzipping his pants and urinating into a white can. He claimed that he did not think students could see what he was doing and that he believed he was hiding his genitals from view with his hand.
“According to paperwork, Hinton told police that he was new to the school and did not know of a way for someone else to watch his class so that he could use the restroom,” Arizona’s Family reported. “He reportedly told investigators he decided to urinate into a can like he used to do in the military when he was unable to leave his post.”
However, he also allegedly told police that he realized that he had made an error in judgment.
People magazine said that Hinton later appeared before a judge in Maricopa County Superior Court and was given a $10,000 secured appearance bond, citing court records. A school spokesperson said that he had resigned as of this Monday.
Parents “can hardly believe the allegations,” according to FOX 10. That outlet reached out to Hinton for a comment but has not heard back. He is expected to appear back in court on March 26.
“We are actively working with the Phoenix Police Department regarding this matter. In accordance with policy, Wilson Elementary School District cannot provide details regarding personnel matters; however, we can confirm that the teacher has been placed on administrative leave pending further action, has been relieved of all duties and has been arrested. We are unable to provide any additional comments on this matter,” said a stament from the school district. FOX 10 has it in full here.
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