2 more students accuse teacher

Jace Radke

Friday, Sept. 20, 2002 | 9:45 a.m.

An elementary school teacher already facing allegations that he had sex with a female student was arrested Thursday night on additional charges after two more students accused him of abuse.

John Sinchak, 34, was already facing three counts of sexual assault with a victim under the age of 14. He now faces an additional seven counts of lewdness with a minor, Metro Police said.

Sinchak was arrested about 3 p.m. Thursday at the Family Court building, 601 N. Pecos Road, where he was appearing for a hearing on another matter, police said.

Sinchak, held at the Clark County Detention Center, faces a possible punishment of life in prison for the sexual assault charges.

Sinchak has been suspended from teaching, but a Clark County School District spokeswoman did not immediately know today if the suspension is with or without pay.

Sinchak is accused of using his authority and position to seduce students into sexual relationships with him. The students all attend Garehime Elementary School, where Sinchak taught a combined fourth/fifth grade class.

Sinchak is accused of having some of the sexual contact with the students at his home.

The latest allegations come from two female students who attended Garehime and have since graduated to middle school.

Since September 2000, there have been at least 15 cases of alleged sexual misconduct against students by Clark County School District employees.

Some have questioned whether the district needs to toughen screening procedures for potential teachers. Currently, prospective teachers must submit to fingerprinting and answer 16 questions that are specific to any arrests or convictions.