A former Morro Bay High School teacher and varsity girls' swimming coach is facing sexual misconduct allegations involving two students, investigators say.
According to the Morro Bay Police Department, Tyler Andree’s arrest comes after a three-week investigation after a school resource officer received an anonymous tip Jan. 11, which led detectives to identify a possible victim and suspect.
“Detectives located and contacted the believed parties involved which generated a more in-depth investigation into the misconduct by Andree,” police said in a press release. “During the past three weeks the investigation by Morro Bay Police included interviews and search warrants. Two juvenile victims were identified as a result of the investigation.”
Andree, 24, was arrested and booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail Monday afternoon on suspicion of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and solicitation of a minor.
Bail is set at $30,000.
The district says Andree began for the district in August of 2019, adding that records show background and reference checks were properly conducted.
The school sent the following message to families on Friday:
"Hello Pirate Families,SLCUSD and the Morro Bay Police Department have been conducting an ongoing investigation concerning former MBHS teacher Mr. Tyler Andree. Although we will not comment on individual personnel actions or the status of a former employee, I want to assure you that student safety is our top priority and maintaining the trust of the MBHS community is very important. As soon as issues are brought to our attention, we investigate immediately, coordinate with the district office, and the police department when necessary. We are cooperating with law enforcement and do not want to compromise the integrity of the investigation, but please contact Jeff Cadwallader, MBHS Interim Principal, or School Resource Officer/Detective Gene Stuart of the Morro Bay Police Department if you have any questions, concerns, or related information."
The school also provided information on counseling services available to students.
San Luis Obispo Coastal Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Eric Prater tells KSBY that Andree resigned Jan. 18, adding, “In San Luis Coastal, student safety is our top priority. Maintaining the public’s trust is also very important. As soon as issues are brought to our attention, we investigate immediately and coordinate with the police department when necessary. We update and inform the School Board regarding personnel issues. The School Board is aware of the situation with Mr. Tyler Andree. We will not comment on individual personnel actions or the status of a former employee as we are cooperating with law enforcement and do not want to compromise the integrity of the investigation.”
Following Andree's arrest, the district said, "We have taken steps to ensure student instruction is not disrupted... Protecting students is paramount, and our teachers are notified each year about appropriate behavior around students. We cannot and will not tolerate inappropriate conduct between a teacher and any student. We also work to protect and support the victim(s) and ask that you work with us to respectfully protect student privacy."
The police department’s investigation is ongoing. Police ask anyone with information on this case to call School Resource Officer Gene Stuart of the Morro Bay Police Department at (805)772-6225. Anonymous tips can be made to San Luis Obispo County Crime Stoppers at (805) 549-STOP.
