Utah elementary teacher arrested for child sex abuse of students

BRIGHAM CITY, Utah — A teacher in Box Elder County was arrested Monday on suspicion of four counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony.

Patrick Alan Green, 59, was arrested after a report from the Utah Division of Family Services about a teacher abusing a student according to an affidavit from 1st District Court in Brigham City.

On Sept. 9, the Tremonton Garland Police Department received the report and Green was named for abusing a young girl who was currently in his class at Garland Elementary School. A forensic victim interview was conducted and the child provided details of abuse she said happened “multiple times” according to the probable cause statement.

Box Elder School District said Green was immediately placed on administrative leave after the district received the report on Sept. 9.

During the interview, investigators were made aware of a second possible victim who said Green touched her inappropriately.

In the subsequent interview, the second victim told investigators that while she was in his class on “multiple occasions” Green touched her “private part.” She also told investigators Green approached her and touched her a public swimming pool.

“The offenses are serious and the suspect is believed to be a danger to the public if released,” the court documents state. “The suspect was a teacher and it is feared that he may continue to commit these types of offenses.”

He is now held without bail in the Box Elder County jail. Police said they are talking to multiple people who were likely victims. Parents at Garland Elementary said it has been a great school and said the news was a surprise.

“I’m very uncomfortable about it,” Tisha Walker, who had two daughters in the school. “I’ve felt comfortable just walking back and forth just taking my kids to school. I’ve loved it, but I can’t…I had no idea.”

“This is an ongoing investigation. We do have additional victims coming forward,” Police Chief Dustin Cordova said. “This is every asset we have, thrown at it right now, and we want to do every thing we can to protect our community.”

Cordova asked that anyone with information please contact police.

“It remains a priority at Garland Elementary to ensure the safety of our students.  We will continue to support students and teachers through this difficult time. As a result of the confirmation of improper conduct by the Police Department, BESD administration terminated employment of the teacher involved,” district officials said in a statement.

“A replacement teacher was hired during the investigation and will continue as the teacher of record through the end of the school year,” the statement continued. “We would like to recommend that as parents become aware of additional, pertinent information regarding this case, that it be reported directly to the Tremonton/Garland Police Department at 435-257-7577 or 435-257-3131.”

The school district said it was the first time they heard of any accusations like this about Green. Detectives were concerned about how long he worked as a teacher.