Teacher Changes Underage Student's Failing Grade To An 'A' In Exchange For Sex

A Las Vegas biology teacher has been accused of having a sexual relationship with one of his students and changing her failing grade to an "A" in exchange for sexual favors.

According to court documents, Lawrence Artl, 37, is accused of having sex with a student, lewdly communicating with her on social media, and changing one of her grades from an "F" to an "A," the New York Daily News reported.

Artl is charged with one count of an employee engaging in a sexual relationship with a student over the age of 16 and two counts of preventing or dissuading a person from testifying, 8 News Now noted.

The suspect surrendered to law enforcement late last week. Investigation into the matter started in February 2020, the Clark County School District police confirmed.

The student testified to the police that Artl went to her home twice. During the second visit, the student and Artl reportedly had sex. On other occasions, she kissed Artl in his car, court documents specified.

Investigators added that they first communicated via school email and transferred to Snapchat – a social media app where photos disappear after being viewed.

Investigators stated that Artl told the student to block him on Snapchat and “delete everything” when the investigation started last year.

Law enforcement also noted that, in one instance, the student received a 4 out of 8 on a quiz, but Artl changed it to a perfect score. Artl was a biology teacher at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts since 2007.

A judge ordered Artl to distance himself from young people he is not related to as he is due in court in September.

Last year, a teacher also from the Clark County School District, was charged with allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a student, Fox 5 reported.

English teacher Brandon Komatsu, 37, was arrested and charged with one count of use/permit minor 14 and above to produce pornography and five counts of school employee/volunteer 21 and above engage sexual conduct with pupil on April 2020.

A substitute teacher also from CCSD, Amani Wilson, 32, was arrested last year March, News 3 wrote. Wilson was suspended and charged for possession of narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and child endangerment.