Teacher accused of exploiting girl

KNOXVILLE, Iowa — A man who teaches and coaches at an alternative high school in Knoxville has been charged with the sexual exploitation of a 16-year-old female student.

Justin Mikels has been on paid administrative leave from the GOAL School since October, when allegations first surfaced. The 25-year-old Mikels is in his second year at the school, where he teaches social studies and helps coach football and baseball.

Police said the student was not physically harmed and is still attending school. Both the teacher and student cooperated with the investigation.

The Marion county attorney filed charges on Friday. Mikels was arrested and released on bond several hours later.