Police: Phoenix teacher had sexual relationship with student

A Phoenix elementary school teacher is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 12-year-old student.

Kenne Worthen, 27, was booked into a Maricopa County jail on Friday on suspicion of luring a minor, sexual conduct with a minor and child molestation, said Sgt. Jonathan Howard, a Phoenix police spokesman.

Worthen, a sixth-grade teacher, began his relationship with the 12-year-old student last August, and that relationship allegedly became sexual at the start of this year, Howard said.

Howard said several students at Longview Elementary School reported the relationship to a teacher on Friday, and investigators developed probable cause based on statements from Worthen and the student and text messages between the two.

Howard said school officials have been cooperative. Police believe this is an isolated incident and are not aware of any other victims, he said.

Police are encouraging parents to monitor their children's electronic devices, Howard said, adding that suspicious behavior should be reported to officials.