A science teacher in Walnut Creek has been accused of possible improper contact with a minor, according to an East Bay school district.
Michael Bartel, who has been teaching at Walnut Creek Intermediate School and previously worked in the Martinez School District, was arrested on Friday on charges of child pornography and other related offenses, according to the Martinez Unified School District.
Bartel, 33, was a substitute teacher in Martinez during the 2013-2014 school year, according to the district. He has been teaching in Walnut Creek for the past three school years.
The allegations do not involve any current or former students in the two East Bay school districts, according to officials.
Bartel was hired to work at the Walnut Creek school after a thorough, standard background check that included fingerprinting and a criminal history review, district officials said.
Bartel is a graduate of California State University, East Bay and has been teaching since 2011.
A fully credentialed and retired teacher is currently substituting for Bartel's classroom. The case remains under investigation.
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Further information was not available.
Bay City News contributed to this report.
