Idaho junior high school teacher who’s also a coach charged with raping male student

A Boise-based junior high teacher has been accused of rape by a male student, as per the authorities.

On Monday, Eric McDermott, who is 59 years old, was apprehended by authorities. As per the Idaho Statesman, the educator has been accused of engaging in lewd or lascivious acts with a minor aged between 16 to 17 years, and has been charged with rape and sexual battery.

Fairmont Junior High employed McDermott as a geography teacher and coach of a boys’ basketball team.

In a court hearing on Monday, a prosecutor disclosed that McDermott had taught the male victim when he was 15 years old. The accused reportedly contacted the victim, who was 16 at the time, on a dating hookup site in 2020 and sent nude photos. McDermott continued to communicate with the teen through the site for a few days. Afterward, authorities suspect that McDermott picked up the boy and raped him at his residence.

In a letter addressed to parents, the Boise School District informed them that McDermott was placed on leave after the school officials were made aware of his arrest.

“We understand that this news will raise concerns about student safety and we want to assure our families that the District is full cooperating with law enforcement and prosecutors as they investigate this matter,” the letter inscribed.

Currently, McDermott is being detained at the Ada County Jail with a bail set at $1 million.