![Richland Teacher Arrested for ‘Relationship’ With Student](http://townsquare.media/site/136/files/2015/06/Benton-County-justice-center-FIXED--300x128.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Richland Teacher Arrested for ‘Relationship’ With Student
The investigation continues into allegations a Richland High School teacher engaged in sexual activity with a 15-year-old student.
The incident was reportedly told to the Richland principal by a friend of the victim. The girl allegedly admitted to the friend she and the teacher, 31-year-old Steven Michael Diaz, had sexual intercourse in his apartment. He is a special education teacher at the school.
The student initially denied the physical contact, but did admit a sexting type of dialogue between her and Diaz. Police found hundreds of text messages of explicit nature between the two, often containing graphic sexual content.
The student then admitted some physical sexual contact during a second interview with authorities. Diaz is on paid administrative leave until the investigation is finished. He was arrested on 3rd Degree child molestation charges.
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