Ex-teacher charged with sexual abuse of a minor

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A 73-year-old retired teacher was arraigned Thursday on seven counts of sexual abuse of a minor.

The Alaska Dispatch News (https://bit.ly/1GxwPJR) reports David Schwantes, a former Alaska Teacher of the year, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Schwantes taught third and fourth grades at Mt. Spurr Elementary on Elmendorf Air Force Base from 1968 to 1993.

A former student told police he was abused by Schwantes as a student at the elementary school and detectives launched an investigation. Schwantes was arrested Wednesday.

The man who says he was abused has filed a lawsuit seeking damages from Schwantes and the Anchorage School District. He says the abuse occurred from 1988 to 1998.

Schwantes had no criminal history when he was arrested. He remained in custody Friday at the Anchorage Jail.

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Information from: Alaska Dispatch News, https://www.adn.com