Principal arrested on sexual exploitation charge for alleged relationship with student

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (KCRG/Gray News) - A principal at an Iowa school was criminally charged after police said he had an inappropriate relationship with a student.

Forty-year-old Lucas Tanney, of Waterloo, was charged with felony sexual exploitation by a school employee.

Tanney serves as principal for sixth through 12th grades at Valley Lutheran School, according to the district’s website. He is also the victim’s track coach.

Investigators received a report about the alleged inappropriate relationship between Tanney and a juvenile female student, the Waterloo Police Department said Thursday. Investigators found that unlawful sexual conduct occurred at Tanney’s home.

Tanney was taken into custody without incident Friday and booked in the Black Hawk County Jail.

Tanney faces up to five years in prison if convicted.