BAIL SET AT $10,000 FOR HOQUIAM TEACHER
The preliminary hearing for Hoquiam teacher Wesley A. Phillips was held yesterday in Grays Harbor District Court and the prosecutor’s office told KXRO that bail was set for $10,000.
41 year old Phillips is charged with Communicating with a Minor for Immoral Purposes and Voyeurism. Both charges are classified as Class C Felonies and each count carries a maximum sentence of 5 years.
In documents filed with the Grays Harbor Prosecutor’s Office, Phillips is said to have communicated through an electronic device with a 12-year-old student who he knew was a minor, for immoral purposes. It is also stated that the defendant viewed another minor “without her consent or knowledge”. These incidents are alleged to have occurred since September of last year.
Hoquiam Police Chief Jeff Myers told KXRO that the department received a complaint regarding the teacher on Tuesday and they began their investigation. A warrant was served for 2 computers, one of which was property of the school district. Myers says that the Hoquiam School District is fully cooperating with the investigation.
Hoquiam Superintendent Mike Parker said in a statement that “The District takes these allegations very serious”. The teacher had been placed on paid administrative leave.
A second hearing for Phillips is scheduled for today to decide where the suspect can live if released on bail. Another hearing is set for February 16th. Phillips currently is at Grays harbor County Jail in Montesano.
