Plymouth teacher charged with sexual assault by school staff
Plymouth teacher charged with sexual assault
A Plymouth teacher is now charged with sexual assault by school staff. Prosecutors say she had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student.
PLYMOUTH, Wis. - A Plymouth teacher is now charged with sexual assault by school staff.
Prosecutors say she had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student.
Prosecutors charged 40-year-old Marcie Zimmerman with having a sexual relationship with a female student at Plymouth High School. Prosecutors say the sexual assault happened in 2023, but it's what happened this summer that led to formal charges.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android
In court
What we know:
Marcie Zimmerman sat in Fond du Lac County Court on Thursday, Aug. 28, facing multiple charges including sexual assault of a student by school staff.
Marcie Zimmerman
Investigators say Zimmerman was the 16-year-old's culinary teacher at Plymouth High School.
"The allegations consist of a student-teacher relationship – a relationship of trust that the defendant took advantage of," said Assistant District Attorney Joseph Radish.
Sexual assault of a child by school staff, Plymouth teacher arrested
The Fond du Lac Sheriff's Office has taken a Plymouth school teacher into custody, who is accused of sexually assaulting a then-Plymouth school student.
2023 incident
The backstory:
The student told investigators she'd talk to Zimmerman about personal issues and mental health struggles.
Prosecutors say the two exchanged dozens of sexually explicit photos and the victim slept at Zimmerman's house multiple times.
That's where prosecutors say the sexual assault occurred, and why the case is being tried in Fond du Lac County.
Plymouth High School
"The defendant sending nude photos and videos to the victim as well as the victim sending similar material to the defendant," added Radish.
Prosecutors say the victim, who is now graduated, had blocked Zimmerman and told her not to contact her again.
The victim told investigators Zimmerman would, in return, make suicidal comments, and say their relationship would be made public.
In July, investigators say Zimmerman showed up to the victim's work.
Marcie Zimmerman in Court (virtually)
"The defendant allegedly going to Walmart and following the victim after the allegations of the assault," said Radish.
Prosecutors say the victim's mother tried reporting the relationship to the school in 2023, but Zimmerman remained employed.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
"We adamantly deny almost every single allegation – absolutely every single allegation," said Kirk Everson, Zimmerman's defense attorney.
Zimmerman’s family was in court too. They did not want to comment.
Her bond was set at $250,000.
Superintendent responds
What they're saying:
Plymouth Superintendent Scott Stier provided the following response:
"We are aware of the criminal complaint filed involving a Plymouth Joint School District staff member. That staff member has since been placed on administrative leave.
The district had previously investigated a complaint brought forward in June 2023 raising concerns about professional boundaries, which the district addressed with the staff member. None of the claims at that time involved allegations of sexual misconduct.
We are fully cooperating with the law enforcement investigation, and will continue to do so. At this time, our focus is on the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff."
The Source: FOX6 requested and received the criminal complaint. FOX6 was also in court for Zimmerman's initial appearance.