TROUTDALE, Ore. (KOIN 6) — A local teacher is accused of sending inappropriate text messages to female students, officials confirmed to KOIN 6 News Wednesday evening.
Justin Michael Prunk, who worked at Reynolds High School, has had his teaching license suspended for a year. He’ll also be on probation for the next four years.
According to Reynolds School District, “Prunk’s employment status is currently: on leave for active military service. Mr. Prunk requested one year military leave of absence on February 23, 2015. Mr. Prunk’s last day with the District prior to going on military leave was March 13, 2015.”
On March 14, 2014 school district officials reported Prunk had engaged in inappropriate conduct with students, court documents revealed.
During the 2012-2013 school year, Prunk allegedly communicated with several female students via text message. An investigation revealed he sent hundreds, even thousands, of texts to the girls during school hours, teaching time, and after school in the early mornings and late evenings.
Prunk allegedly shared overly personal information with a student regarding his failed marriage, court documents said.
His ex-wife told KOIN 6 News she was blindsided when she found out her husband had been inappropriately texting high school girls.
“It’s taken 24 months for this to get attention, and I believe the parents of Reynolds High School deserve to understand and to know who this man is,” Anna Marie Boffo said.
Oregon National Guard Sgt. Nick Choy told KOIN 6 News Thursday that Prunk “is in the process of being discharged from the Oregon National Guard.”
Prunk is being discharged because of a DUII arrest in December 2014 and because he lied to the Reynolds School District, Choy said. Prunk pleaded no contest to the DUII and was sent to a diversionary program.