ALBANY, Ore. (KMTR) - A former Jefferson High School coach was arrested late Thursday afternoon and charged with numerous counts of rape and sodomy involving a juvenile female student.
Marion County Detectives arrested Scott Leonard Zeigler, 41, at West Albany High School.
Zeigler has served at the high school as an Educational Assistant for the past 8 years. He works in the Academy Program, a self-contained course designed to assist troubled kids become more successful in school and life. He also serves as a coach for the boys' and girls' basketball teams, the football team and the girls' lacrosse and varsity volleyball teams.
Zeigler's arrest came following an investigation into a three-year relationship with a female student at Jefferson High School. He was employed at Jefferson from 2008 to 2010.
Investigators say the relationship began in 2009, quickly became sexual in nature and ended in the summer of 2011.
The girl was 15 years old when the alleged sexual encounters began. She told detectives that she and Zeigler had sexual relations at Jefferson High School and in other locations in Albany and Linn County.
Detectives recovered cell phone texting evidence confirming the relationship.
At this time, detectives are not aware of any victims from the West Albany High School. The investigation is on-going.
Zeigler was booked at the Marion County Jail on four counts of Rape 3, and three counts of Sodomy 3. He is due in court at 3:00 PM today; bail is set at $70,000.
Representatives of West Albany High School and Jefferson High have requested that the media refrain from coming on their campuses or contacting students or instructors for statements.
Both schools have notified parents of the arrest and are encouraging students to speak with counselors available at the school and report any inappropriate contacts with Zeigler.
