Iowa Christian School Teacher Arrested “Over 100 Child Abuse Charges Filed”

The Sioux Center Police Department said they arrested 35-year-old former Sioux Center Christian School teacher, Curtis Van Dam, of Sioux Center, Iowa, on over 100 charges of child abuse.

Police said the charges stem after a complaint was lodged with police against Van Dam on October 18, 2017. The complaint alleged inappropriate conduct between Van Dam, who was a teacher at the school, and a student attending the school.

Van Dam has been charged with 14 counts sexual exploitation by a teacher, 72 counts of sexual abuse in the 2nd degree, 12 counts of sexual abuse in the 3rd degree, two counts lascivious acts with a child Class C Felony, one count of lascivious acts with a child Class D Felony, 34 counts of lascivious conduct with a minor and five counts indecent exposure. source

The earliest alleged allegations police have investigated occurred in August of 2013 through October 2017.

Police said the violations occurred at various locations including Sioux Center Christian School and involved numerous children.

Police said additional charges are possible.

In a statement from Sioux Center Christian School, Head of the School Josh Bowar confirmed Van Dam was a former 5th-grade teacher at the school.

“Our primary focus now, as a Christ-centered school community, is to protect and care for our students. Christian counselors are in our school today, ready to help any student who needs someone to talk to. We are holding a meeting tonight for parents with professional counselors, so parents can be equipped with the resources they need to talk with their children and help them through this situation.”

Bowar said Van Dam’s employment was terminated in October and the school is cooperating fully with the investigation.