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Former NW IA band teacher charged with sexual exploitation

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April 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

CHEROKEE, Iowa (KCAU) — A band teacher in northwest Iowa charged with sexual exploitation has been terminated from his employment by the district. According to KCAU, 46-year-old Joseph Vannatta is no longer employed with the Cherokee Community School District. The superintendent said Vanatta’s employment was terminated by the school board, Wednesday, “effective immediately.”

Joseph Vannatta courtesy Cherokee County Jail
Joseph Vannatta (Courtesy: Cherokee County Jail)

Court documents indicate a student reported feeling like they were being groomed by Vannatta into having a relationship with him.

Vannatta was charged with sexual exploitation by a school employee, a class D felony. He has bonded out of jail.