Fired Olathe high school teacher charged with unlawful sexual relations with student

A former Olathe Northwest High School wrestling coach and physical education teacher, who was fired this month, has been charged with three counts of unlawful sexual relations with a student.

Steven Mesa, 47, faces three felony charges in Johnson County District Court for engaging in sexual intercourse with a student, who is at least 16 years old, according to the criminal complaint filed on Wednesday. Bond has been set at $100,000.

Authorities allege the crimes occurred between early July and late August. All three counts name the victim by the same initials.

Mesa was first hired by the Olathe school district in August 2001, spokeswoman Becky Grubaugh said. He was fired effective Sept. 1, however, district officials had not provided a reason.

“Although we are unable to comment in detail on personnel matters, we can share that our administration was recently made aware of allegations of misconduct by Steve Mesa,” Grubaugh said in a statement. “Upon learning of these allegations, the district took swift action to place Mesa on leave, refer the matter to local law enforcement, conduct an investigation, and make the recommendation of termination to the Board of Education.”

Grubaugh said the district, “takes all allegations of staff misconduct very seriously. We will not tolerate anything that impacts the wellbeing or safety of our students or staff. We have processes and procedures in place, including working closely with local law enforcement to investigate and address these situations in accordance with our board policies, state and federal laws. We are committed to ensuring that our students are educated in a safe environment.”

Mesa was a high school teacher for the duration of his employment with the district, Grubaugh said, and most recently a head wrestling coach. He also worked as an assistant baseball coach last year.

Earlier this month, Northwest Principal Chris Zuck told families in an email that Mesa would not return to the school.

“We have an outstanding substitute in place currently and will be looking to name a permanent teacher as quickly as possible,” he wrote. “Our substitute will be working closely with our PE department, and I am confident that students will have an excellent remainder to the 2022-23 school year. Once we have named a permanent teacher, we will communicate that information to you.”

An attorney for Mesa was not listed in court documents as of Wednesday afternoon. The Johnson County District Attorney’s office has so far declined to comment.