Jeff Whiston: Fired photography teacher gets 5 years in jail for forcing girl, 16, to pose nude
PASCO, WASHINGTON: A sacked school photography teacher received the maximum sentence of five years for forcing a 16-year-old girl to pose for a nude photoshoot, said reports. Jeff Whiston, 44, was handed the sentence on September 28. Whiston was a photography teacher at Chiawana High School in the city of Pasco, Washington. According to the authorities, he offered free photoshoots to his students in the name of 'senior photos'.
One of the female students, who is aged below 17, agreed for the photoshoot and said she brought several outfits, including a swimsuit. The incident took place at Whiston's home in Benton City, according to the court documents. Initially Whiston told the teenage girl to pose provocatively and directed her to be more revealing. But then he asked her to get completely undressed. The victim said that she felt obligated to do so as he was standing between her and the studio's exit door.
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Although Whiston clicked numerous photos of the girl while she was undressed, she told the police authorities that she covered up to stop from being completely exposed. According to the court documents, the victim declined to go fully nude to which Whiston asked if she would feel comfortable doing such photoshoots once she turns 18, reported Law and Crime. Whiston reportedly admitted that the photoshoot happened but asked for a lawyer when authorities wanted more details.
The former photography teacher will be registered as a sex offender after he gets released and will spend three years on probation. “On April 12, 2022, our detectives met with Pasco School District administration and staff regarding their employee Whiston,” deputies wrote at the time of his arrest in April for felony sexual exploitation of a minor. “The Pasco School District had received an email from a concerned parent regarding Whiston having an inappropriate meeting with a 16-year female student. Detectives learned Whiston had invited the student to his personal residence in Benton County for a photoshoot on April 6, 2022. During this encounter the student was purportedly asked to pose in sexually suggestive and revealing positions.”
“Pasco School District has learned that district employee Jeffrey Whiston was arrested Tuesday night by the Benton County Sherriff’s Office on charges related to illegal conduct with a minor,” the Pasco School District reportedly said in an April statement. “The investigation began Tuesday after the district received a report from a concerned parent. Mr. Whiston was placed on administrative leave Tuesday morning in accordance with standard district procedure and the report was made to law enforcement. If true, these allegations represent a breach of our trust and a disappointing departure from our standards for all district employees. The safety of our students is the highest priority of our school and district staff members. Because this is an open investigation, this is the only information Pasco School District will be providing at this time. Media outlets should direct any further questions to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.”