Gila Ridge High School teacher arrested on felony charges
The Yuma Police Department says Gila Ridge High School teacher John Rodenburg, 32, was arrested Thursday on one count of kidnapping and one count of aggravated luring of a minor for sexual exploitation.
YPD says on November 11 , 2016, Rodenburg allegedly took an underage female across state lines to Utah for the weekend with sexual motivation without consent.
The Yuma Police Department and the Yuma Union High School District are unable to release information confirming whether or not the minor is a student at Gila Ridge High School.
In a statement to News 11, the Yuma Union High School District says:
” In a case where allegations have been made regarding an employee, the employee is prohibited from district property and placed on leave pending the results of the police investigation. The District cooperates fully with law enforcement.”
The Yuma Union High School District also says that it is not at liberty to comment on the charges against Rodenburg.
According to the Gila Ridge High School website, Rodenburg was in his first season as the Cross Country coach. He has taught at Gila Ridge for six years and was a math teacher. They also list him as the assistant athletic director during the winter sports season.
Rodenburg is scheduled to make his first court appearance Friday afternoon. This is a developing story. Keep it on News 11 for the latest details.
The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 373-4700 or Detective Slade at (928) 373-4778 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous. Remember, if your information leads to an arrest you may receive up to a $1,000 cash reward.
