Grooming charge against Vannatta heads to trialFired by Cherokee School Board after closed session

A judge signed off on a trial information that charged Joseph Vannatta with sexual exploitation by a school employee, the day before the Cherokee band teacher was terminated from his role with the school district. 

Cherokee County District Court Judge Shayne Mayer filed a one-count trial information on Tuesday, alleging Vannatta engaged in “a pattern, practice or scheme of sexual conduct with a student for the purposes of satisfying the sexual desires of the school employee or the student.” The trial information was signed by Assistant Attorney General Ryan Baldridge and Judge Mayer. 

Vannatta’s arraignment is scheduled for June 3 in magistrate court. Jacklyn Fox, an attorney representing Vannatta in the criminal proceeding, didn’t respond to requests for comment. 

The trial information was filed a day before the Cherokee School Board fired him after a closed session. A statement the school board issued on the heels of the firing emphasized the board’s commitment to student safety and a positive learning environment. 

“We understand the situation surrounding Mr. Vannatta’s alleged actions has caused concern within our community,” the board’s statement reads. “It is our hope that with this action, we can begin the healing process.”

The nature of Vannatta’s alleged actions weren’t made public by the board. Under Iowa law, units of government must specify the reasons and rationale for terminating employees. Vannatta was arrested last month for allegedly “inserting himself” in a student’s sexual life from August 2022 to May 2023, according to an affidavit filed by Cherokee police. 

He allegedly asked sexually charged questions to the student over the course of nine months. He allegedly offered his home so the student and the student’s boyfriend could “nap” in his bedroom while Vannatta and his family were in the house. Vannatta allegedly offered extra credit to the student to perform in an honor band. No extra credit was given, but the student went to the event anyway, according to the affidavit. The student felt he was being groomed to have a sexual relationship, the affidavit alleged, though no physical contact between the student and Vannatta was cited.