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.”

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.