Police are investigating after someone impersonating a teacher sent explicit Instagram messages to a Washougal High School student.
The high school reported the incident to the Washougal Police Department on Feb. 12, according to a search warrant filed by police detective Sugey Lopez on March 10.
The teacher denied sending the messages and provided his phone to investigators, who determined that the messages came from an account that was fraudulently impersonating him, records state.
Washougal School District spokesperson Lester Brown said in an email that “there was no credible evidence” to suggest that a staff member was involved in the messages.
“The district takes all reports of inappropriate conduct seriously and cooperates with law enforcement to investigate such claims,” he said. “We appreciate those who notified school officials so that we could respond to the concerns.”
Police allege that the person behind the fake account has committed first-degree criminal impersonation and communication with a minor for immoral purposes, according to court records.
Clark County Superior Court Judge Robert Lewis signed a warrant authorizing investigators to search digital records owned by Meta, Instagram’s parent company, records show. Detectives have executed the warrant but have not announced any arrests or suspects in the case.
Washougal Police Department spokesperson Kelly Clark declined to comment on the investigation.
©2025 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit oregonlive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
