NEWS

Dallas teacher, coach arrested on sex abuse charges

Whitney M. Woodworth
Statesman Journal
Kirk Myrold, 36, a Spanish teacher at Dallas High School, was arrested on charges of second-degree sexual abuse and luring a minor.

A Spanish teacher at Dallas High School was arrested on charges of second-degree sexual abuse and luring a minor for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old student, officials said.

Kirk Myrold, 36, of Albany, was arrested after Dallas police officers received a report on Monday from the Dallas School District that he was involved with a female student.

According to a statement from the police department, Detective Darren Buchholz investigated the report and found evidence to support the allegations. Myrold, who was also head coach of the high school's girls soccer team, was arrested later that day.

Myrold was arrested, taken to Polk County jail and held on $30,000 bail. He was released Monday night.

Michelle Johnstone, superintendent for the Dallas School District said Myrold has been employed with the district for two years.

The district sent an email to parents Tuesday informing them of them of Myrold's arrest.

"He has been placed on administrative leave and will not be at the school at this time," Johnstone wrote. "This is still in the hands of law enforcement and we have very little information."

She said a letter will be mailed Wednesday to the parents of students at Dallas High School and Morrison Campus Alternative School.

Dallas Police Chief Tom Simpson said there is no indication Myrold had other victims, but the investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to contact Buchholz at 503-831-3516.

Myrold is scheduled to appear in Polk County Circuit Court on Sept. 27 at 9 a.m.

Email wmwoodwort@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-399-6884 or follow on Twitter @wmwoodworth

Salem man sentenced to 9 years for sex abuse, child porn charges

Man throws meth from car, flees police, crashes at Salem park