The community of Ankeny, Iowa, was shocked by recent allegations of s*xual exploitation and misconduct against Rachel Whiteside with her now viral on Instagram
Rachel Whiteside is a 34-year-old math teacher and softball coach at Northview Middle School within the Ankeny Community School District. Whiteside stands accused of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a student that began when the victim was just 14 years old and continued for several years.
Who is Rachel Whiteside as Northview Middle School Ankeny maths teacher and softball coach pictures go viral on Instagram
The disturbing allegations against Rachel Whiteside emerged when an employee at the Ankeny Community School District reported suspicions to the Ankeny police, prompting a preliminary investigation. Law enforcement authorities swiftly acted on the information, conducting a thorough inquiry that revealed troubling details of alleged abuse of power and manipulation by Whiteside.
According to reports from Des Moines Register and KCCI, court documents and criminal complaints shed light on the extent of the alleged misconduct. It is claimed that Whiteside utilized her position of authority to groom the student for a s*xual relationship, coercing the victim into sharing intimate details of their life.
The investigation uncovered evidence suggesting that Whiteside had initiated s*xual intercourse with the victim on multiple occasions during their time as a student under her supervision.
Furthermore, documents submitted to obtain a search warrant revealed additional disturbing behavior, including the alleged sending of numerous gifts to the victim throughout their relationship. An email dated January 14, 2022, purportedly sent by Whiteside to the victim, referred to their ‘anniversary’, indicating a continuation of the relationship beyond the victim’s time as a student.
Rachel Whiteside, teacher for Ankeny Community School District has been charged w/ 1x of Sex Abuse Child Victim Coerced by Person in Authority, 4x of Sexual Exploitation by a School Employee, and 1x Lascivious Conduct with a Minor. https://t.co/H5p9rIwfyO
— Hey! Teacher! (@Hey_TeacherLTKA) February 22, 2024
Rachel Whiteside’s arrest
In response to the allegations, authorities took swift action by arresting Rachel Whiteside on February 21, 2024. Subsequently, she was charged with multiple counts, including third-degree s*xual abuse of a child victim coerced by a person in authority, s*xual exploitation by a school employee, and lascivious conduct with a minor.
During a court appearance, Whiteside was issued a cash bond of $100,000 and ordered not to have any contact with the victim or individuals under the age of 18 if released. Her preliminary hearing has been scheduled for March 1, 2024, where further legal proceedings will take place to address the allegations against her.
Rachel Whiteside, 34, listed on the district website as a staff member at Northview Middle School & an assistant varsity softball coach at Ankeny Centennial High School, is facing several charges stemming from alleged exploitation of a student.
— Orietta Rose 🇺🇲 (@0riettaRose) February 21, 2024
The Ankeny Community School District issued a statement affirming their cooperation with law enforcement authorities in the investigation. The district emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and expressed its shock and concern over the allegations against one of its staff members.