Turlock teachers charged with felonies in sex case

Two former Turlock Christian School teachers will face felony charges after being accused of trying to arrange group sex with a 16-year-old student by sending her sexually explicit text messages, according to documents filed in Stanislaus County Superior Court.

The husband-and-wife suspects -- Justin Northcutt, 27, and Amy Northcutt, 26 -- each were charged with one felony count of "harmful matter sent with intent of seduction of a minor," court officials said Wednesday.

The Northcutts are scheduled to be arraigned Sept. 3.

They were arrested June 2, shortly after the school year ended. They are accused of sending messages and photos to the girl, Sheriff's Department spokesman Royjindar Singh said.

Singh said an investigation found no evidence of sexual contact between the Northcutts and the girl, or evidence of any other victims.

Amy Northcutt was the girl's high school teacher, Singh said. She taught history and had submitted her resignation a month before school ended in late May, according to Superintendent Jack Mayer. Justin Northcutt was a substitute teacher at Turlock Christian's junior high and high schools, Mayer said.

Bee staff writer Merrill Balassone can be reached at mbalassone@modbee.com or 578-2337.

This story was originally published July 31, 2008 at 6:21 AM with the headline "Turlock teachers charged with felonies in sex case."