Former Nampa teacher, 70, accused of sexually abusing child, according to police

A former Nampa teacher was arrested Monday and charged with sexually abusing a child under 16, prompting the Nampa Police Department to ask for more information on other possible victims.

Keith Odell Peterson, 70, is charged with lewd conduct with a minor child under 16 and sexual battery of a minor child. According to a Nampa police news release, Peterson is accused of “inappropriately touching” a juvenile male.

Police said the juvenile victim was an acquaintance, not a former student. During an investigation, detectives were told that Peterson may have had inappropriate contact with another individual. Because he was a teacher, police worry that there may be other victims.

Nampa School District spokeswoman Kathleen Tuck said Peterson worked as a Spanish teacher for the district from 1977 through 1991. He taught at West Junior High, South Junior High and Nampa High School.

Nampa police asked anyone with information on other potential incidents involving Peterson to call 208-465-2257.

This story was originally published April 30, 2019 at 9:11 AM.