UPDATE AUG. 28, 2035
Winer has officially been charged in Howard County Circuit Court this week with first-degree sexual assault and engaging children in sexually explicit conduct for use in visual or print media.
By John Balch
News-Leader staff
A former special education elementary teacher with the Dierks School District was arrested Aug. 13 on suspicion of sexual assault and exchanging nude pictures with a 16-year-old high school student.
Kathryn Elizabeth Winer, 35, of Umpire, was arrested following an investigation by Howard County investigators Casey Parker and Jake Eudy, who interviewed Winer about allegations between her and the juvenile. Winer reportedly disclosed during the interview that she and the juvenile had had sexual intercourse in the past and they had exchanged nudes with each other via Snapchat.
According to an affidavit for warrant of arrest, Winer is under investigation for first-degree sexual assault, a Class A felony, and engaging children in sexually explicit conduct for use in visual or print medium, a Class Y felony.
The affidavit noted that Winer is a teacher at JoAnn Walters Elementary School and the victim is a student at the high school.
Winer was still listed as a special education teacher on the school district’s website the morning of Thursday, Aug. 14. On Aug. 18, the Dierks School Board voted to terminate her employment.
As of Tuesday morning, no charges have been filed in the case and Winer remains on the Howard County Jail’s inmate roster with no bond information listed.
The Dierks School District posted the following statement on Facebook after Winer’s arrest: “The safety and well-being of our students is the district’s top priority. We are aware that a teacher in our district has been arrested. This matter is currently under investigation by law enforcement, and we are fully cooperating with their process.
“While we are unable to share additional details at this time, please know that appropriate measure have been taken to ensure the safety of our students and staff. We understand that this news may be concerning, and we remain committed to providing a safe, supportive learning environment to all.”
