Teacher sex case grows

Jace Radke

Friday, Sept. 20, 2002 | 11:02 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 has been suspended from teaching pending the completion of an internal investigation by the Clark County School District. The district's policy allows for teachers to be initially suspended with pay, but once it is determined in the investigation that the district is going to seek termination of the teacher, payments are ceased.

George Ann Rice, assistant superintendent for human resources, said Sinchak has been removed from the classroom, but would not elaborate on the status of the investigation into his activities.

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.

Sinchak faces a possible punishment of life in prison for the sexual assault charges.

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

The district's screening procedures for potential teachers have been questioned. Currently prospective teachers must submit to fingerprinting and answer 16 questions that are specific to any arrests or convictions.