SNOWFLAKE, AZ – January 11, 2013– On January 3, 2013 the Snowflake-Taylor Police Department received information that Patrick Golden Bennett (DOB 10/12/1958) of Taylor had violated a valid order of protection against him. Upon further investigation it was discovered that Bennett had violated the court order and on multiple occasions committed the criminal offense of sexual conduct with a minor, a class 2 felony.
On January 17, 2012 the Snowflake-Taylor Police Department received information that a Snowflake School District teacher, Patrick G. Bennett, had provided a student with a cell phone to communicate directly with him. A search warrant was executed on his home and he was subsequently arrested on two misdemeanor charges ARS 13-2916.A “use of a telephone to harass or offend” and ARS 13-3613.A “contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He later was released and an order of protection was obtained against Bennett. Bennett’s employment with the Snowflake School District was severed a short time after this incident was reported. On February 7, 2012 Bennett was arrested for violation of the order of protection related to this incident and admitted to the violation.
Patrick Bennett continued to violate the order of protection with the student which went undetected until January 1, 2013. Sometime between February 7, 2012 and January 1, 2013 he purchased another phone and gave it to the student in order to continue a relationship with the student. It was later discovered that on several occasions throughout their relationship he committed the crime of sexual conduct with a minor. He is currently being held at the Navajo County Jail in Holbrook, AZ on a $50,000 Bond.
Chief Jerry VanWinkle expressed his concerns about this disturbing predatory crime and gives Detective Les Shumway the credit for solving it, “Detective Shumway was the key to opening up the hidden information and deserves credit on a job well done. His thorough investigation will be crucial to prosecuting this crime.” The police department has received information that there may be other victims that have not come forward and encourages anyone with information to contact the police department.
Source:WMICentral.com
Patrick Bennett continued to violate the order of protection with the student which went undetected until January 1, 2013. Sometime between February 7, 2012 and January 1, 2013 he purchased another phone and gave it to the student in order to continue a relationship with the student. It was later discovered that on several occasions throughout their relationship he committed the crime of sexual conduct with a minor. He is currently being held at the Navajo County Jail in Holbrook, AZ on a $50,000 Bond.
Chief Jerry VanWinkle expressed his concerns about this disturbing predatory crime and gives Detective Les Shumway the credit for solving it, “Detective Shumway was the key to opening up the hidden information and deserves credit on a job well done. His thorough investigation will be crucial to prosecuting this crime.” The police department has received information that there may be other victims that have not come forward and encourages anyone with information to contact the police department.
Source:WMICentral.com