An elementary school teacher in Phoenix has been arrested after allegedly exposing himself to students while peeing in a can in front of his class.
Curt Hinton, 52, faces four counts of indecent exposure after the alleged display on March 18 at Wilson Elementary School.
The sixth-grade English teacher’s behavior was reported to the principal by four students, a 12-year-old boy and three 11-year-old girls, Fox 10 reported.
The students said they heard a zip and the sound of running water and looked to see Hinton allegedly peeing into a can while sitting at his desk.
They also reported that the teacher had exposed his genitals before adjusting his pants and belt.
Officers said that Hinton allegedly admitted to peeing in the can in the classroom but insisted he had kept himself covered with his hand.
His desk, however, was noted by detectives as not completely enclosed and anyone in the class would have reasonably been able to see the legs of anyone seated there.
Hinton allegedly told police that he was new to the school and told police he did not know how to get in touch with another teacher to watch his class, People reported.
Curt Hinton, 52, faces four counts of indecent exposure after the incident on March 18 at Wilson Elementary School
Officers said that Hinton allegedly admitted to peeing in the can in the classroom but insisted he had kept himself covered with his hand. Hinton was allegedly new to the school and told police he did not know how to get in touch with another teacher to watch his class
Hinton, who had previously served in the army, said that he reverted to what he would have done in his time in the military when he couldn’t leave a spot.
He allegedly told police ‘multiple times the incident was a poor use of judgement, and he made a mistake,’ Fox 10 reported.
The teacher was booked into jail before he appeared in Maricopa County Superior Court and was given a $10,000 secured appearance bond, according to court records obtained by People.
A statement from a spokesperson for Wilson Elementary School said Hinton had been placed on administrative leave.
‘Wilson Elementary School District prioritizes the safety and supervision of students at all times,’ the statement said.
‘While there is no specific policy solely address teacher restroom use, it is standard practice for teachers to ensure appropriate coverage for their classrooms when they need to step away briefly.’
A statement from a spokesperson for Wilson Elementary School said Hinton had been placed on administrative leave. On Monday evening, the spokesperson said that Hinton had resigned
‘This typically involves coordinating with a neighboring teacher, instructional aide, or school administrator to ensure students remain supervised.’
On Monday evening, the spokesperson told People that Hinton had resigned.
Hinton is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Friday March 28.