Teacher facing sexual assault charges

MARINETTE - A Wausaukee High School teacher is facing charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a female student.

Kurt Kostelecky, 35, has been charged with 11 felonies and one misdemeanor. The alleged incidents happened in Kostelecky's classroom when the girl was a freshman.

The alleged victim is now 17 years old and no longer attends Wausaukee High School.

According to the criminal complaint, Kostelecky admitted to the encounters with the girl and also admitted to having a sexual relationship with another student who was 18 at the time.

Kostelecky told authorities the students initiated the contact, and he "couldn't say no."

The Wausaukee superintendent says Kostelecky is currently suspended with pay. The school district released the following statement Thursday morning on the investigation:

“At the time of the allegations, the teacher was immediately placed on administrative leave and an internal investigation began. Our school district is handling this situation in accordance with the law.

"The district has taken every step necessary to ensure the safety of our students.”

Kostelecky is being held on $50,000 cash bond. If convicted on all charges, he faces more than 350 years in prison and more than $1 million in fines. He is scheduled to be back in court March 1.