BURLEY, Idaho -- A 42-year-old Burley junior high teacher has been arrested on suspicion of pretending to be a 15-year-old boy to engage in online sexual conversations with a 14-year-old student.
The Times-News reports that Michael S. Brinkerhoff was arrested last week on felony charges of sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 16 and enticing children over the internet. He is jailed on $50,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 10.
Prosecutors say Brinkerhoff allegedly told the girl that his nephew was moving to Burley and that he wanted to introduce the boy to some area teens via Facebook. Prosecutors say Brinkerhoff posed as the fictitious boy and had graphic and sexual conversations with the girl online.
Superintendent Gaylen Smyer says Brinkerhoff, an English and drama teacher, has been suspended with pay.
