UPDATE: Richland physics teacher arrested. He’s accused of molesting a girl in class
A Richland High teacher was arrested after being accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl in his classroom.
Richland police began investigating John Bittinger, 59, of West Richland, in mid-November after Richland School District officials received a series of complaints.
The most serious allegation came from a student who said the physics teacher cornered her in his classroom one morning in October.
She said he pushed her onto his desk, pulled her pants partially down and pulled down his pants, according to court records. She said she kicked him in the groin and ran away.
“(She) stated she thought Bittinger was trying to rape her,” said the documents filed by Richland police.
She told investigators that he was “really touchy” with other girls too, touching them on the shoulders and lower back.
After the incident in his classroom, she started skipping Bittinger’s class while still going to her other classes, according to court records.
Bittinger denied the allegations during his arrest Wednesday, according to the documents.
Six other girls reported inappropriate behavior from the teacher. One girl said he touched her rear at least two different times at school, according to court documents. Two girls claimed he looked down girls’ shirts.
One of them said he looked under her desk once when she was wearing a dress and said, “I had to check if you’re still a girl.”
Police booked Bittinger into the Benton County jail on Wednesday on suspicion of third-degree child molestation and indecent liberties. Formal charges have not been filed.
He was released from jail on $10,000 bail and remains on paid leave from the Richland School District pending the outcome of the investigation.
“Student and staff safety is a priority and we take any reports such as these very seriously,” said school district officials. “We have followed standards and practices in place specifically for these situations.”
11 years at Richland High
Bittinger’s teaching career in Washington dates back to the mid-90s when he started in Everett’s Cascade High School.
He’s been working in Richland since 2008, according to state records.
The longtime science teacher was recognized in 2011 when he along with two other Richland staff members used a defibrillator to save the life of a 15-year-old student who suffered a medical condition at school.
Lee said Richland detectives are trying to determine if there are any other incidents involving Bittinger.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Dustin Richman at drichman@ci.richland.wa.us.
This story was originally published December 5, 2019 at 10:52 AM.