Burien Teacher Arrested In Thefts

BURIEN - A teacher at a Burien high school is under investigation for allegedly stealing musical instruments from students and the school and pawning them for cash.

Seattle police began investigating the John F. Kennedy High School teacher after one of the man's North Seattle neighbors reported a bicycle had been stolen. Police investigating the theft found several items at a Seattle pawn shop that they think were sold by the teacher, including property belonging to the Catholic high school and its students, Seattle Police Department spokeswoman Carmen Best said last night.

Horns, flutes and saxophones have been disappearing from the school much of the school year, said John Schuster, Kennedy High principal.

The man continued teaching until Thursday, when he was arrested on suspicion of trafficking in stolen property. He was released on his own recognizance. The teacher has been placed on a leave of absence, Schuster said.