Cherokee, IA (KICD) — A Cherokee teacher has been arrested after allegedly engaging in sexual conversations with one of his students. 46 year old Jospeh Vannatta was charged Tuesday with sexual exploitation by a school employee.

The case was investigated by Cherokee Police with the legal end being handled by the state of Iowa.

Court documents show a student filed a complaint last school year, and that since that time the instructor asked the student personal questions, sent snap chat messages, and offered his home to the student and the person the student was dating. The affidavit mentions no physical contact, but speculates Vannatta was “grooming” the student for a possible relationship.

The Cherokee school district has declined to comment on the situation and Vannatta is still listed on the on-line staff directory at Washington High School.