Phoenix teacher arrested in Chicago for alleged sexual relationship with student

PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - A Phoenix teacher was arrested after accused of having a sexual relationship with a minor.

The United States Marshals Service (USMS) said the man was arrested in Chicago after officials issued an arrest warrant for Justin Walters in Maricopa County on May 6.

USMS said Walters was the victim's teacher and groomed her before beginning a sexual relationship with her. After being interviewed by Phoenix police, Walters left Arizona.

“Perpetrators of child abuse often “groom” and manipulate their victims by establishing power in the relationship. This was the case with Walters, who was the victim’s teacher,” said the United States Marshal David Gonzales. “Walters’ arrest will ensure that he will no longer be in a position to exploit children.”

With assistance from the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, and the National Sex Offender Targeting Center, it was able to determine that Walters had booked a flight from Turkey to Chicago on May 12.

Walters was transported and booked into jail, where he is currently being held and awaiting extradition back to Maricopa County.