Who Is David D. Cooper? North Platte High Arrest

David D. Cooper is a 46 year old man from North Platte, Nebraska. He was a teacher at North Platte High School. Police have accused Cooper of abusing a student at the school.

David D. Cooper Allegations

Cooper Arrested, Accused Of Abuse. “David D. Cooper, 46, was taken into custody Wednesday and jailed at the Lincoln County Detention Center School administrative staff reported to police Tuesday they had received information a staff member had been acting inappropriately around a student. The information was turned over to the school resource officer, who investigated the concerning activity between the staff member and student, in conjunction with the North Platte Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. Investigators interviewed a 17-year-old student Wednesday morning and several items of evidence were collected. Probable cause was developed that included evidence of sexual contact between the student and staff member, according to police.” [Telegraph]

Alleged Victim Was High School Junior. “They shared reports about suspicious behavior between David Cooper and a high school junior, who is also a student aid for one of his classes. During an interview, the student admitted to the alleged relationship. Cooper was arrested and charged with “sexual abuse by a school employee.”” [KMTV]

Police: Written Statements Detailed “Flirtatious” Behavior By Cooper. “According to an arrest affidavit, on Tuesday night, a North Platte Police sergeant was contacted by a school resource officer about an inappropriate relationship involving Cooper and a 17-year-old female student. The affidavit says the school resource officer was provided three written statements expressing concerns about “suspicious flirtatious behavior” between Cooper and the 17-year-old girl.” [NTV]

Cooper Taught At School For 16 Years. “David D. Cooper, 46, was arrested Wednesday at the high school, where he’s been a teacher for the past 16 years. He was arrested after a School Resource Officer contacted Police in reference to a possible inappropriate relationship between Cooper and a student. Cooper appeared in Lincoln County Court Thursday afternoon via video conference. He is charged with sexual abuse by a school employee.” [KNOP]

Cooper Worked As Play Production Coach. “Cooper previously coached students involved in play production and speech at the school, until he was relieved of those duties in December, 2021. “We can confirm that concerns regarding play production were brought to the attention of the administration,” said Tina Smith at that time. She is the school district’s director of communications. Cooper was to have directed a Penguin Project play in May, through the North Platte Community Playhouse. The production, which provides theatrical opportunities for children and young adults with disabilities, was cancelled due to lack of enrollment.” [Telegraph]

School “Aware” Of Cooper Arrest. “Yesterday, Wednesday, February 22, 2023, an employee was taken into custody by the North Platte Police Department. While we cannot share the specific details of this personnel matter, we can assure you that North Platte Public Schools remains committed to educating our students in a safe learning environment. Additionally, we will continue to work with law enforcement throughout this investigation. The North Platte Police Department is handling this ongoing criminal investigation; we cannot elaborate further.” [North Platte Public Schools Statement]