Andrew Walsh, Pleasant Grove Jr High School teacher exchanged explicit photos, tried to meet with teen

After allegedly exchanging pornographic images and attempting to set up a meeting with a 16-year-old child, a teacher in the Alpine School District was detained, according to the police.

According to an affidavit of probable cause from Orem police, Andrew Walsh, 32, of Orem, was detained on Monday on suspicion of sexually exploiting a minor and luring a minor via text or the internet after a month-long investigation.

The teen’s father phoned the police on July 24 after discovering sexually suggestive communications on the teen’s phone, according to a police statement. In one of those discussions, Walsh allegedly made an effort to set up a meeting with the 16-year-old despite the youngster disclosing his age, according to the police.

Walsh was questioned by Orem police on August 15 regarding the explicit messages, the statement says. He testified to police that he was aware of the boy’s age—16 or 17—and that he “believes he had exchanged nude photographs” with the adolescent.

Additionally, the Orem police discovered that Walsh “is currently a teacher at a nearby public school” during their investigation. According to authorities, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is also looking into the matter.

As he has easy access to youngsters with whom he has a position of trust, Walsh is being held without bond at the Utah County Jail after being detained on Monday, according to authorities.

When asked about Walsh’s arrest, Alpine School District officials responded with the following statement: “We became aware of an accusation regarding an individual who has been employed in Alpine School District since 2016. We have taken immediate action by placing the employee on administrative leave pending an investigation, and we are working closely with law enforcement.”

Last known contact information

Address: 1964 S 250 E Orem, UT 84058
Phone: (360) 556-3357

Jail Information
Booking #: 419944