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Lehighton Area teacher arrested in human trafficking probe

A teacher in the district was charged in the investigation and is cooperating, according to the school district website.

LEHIGHTON, Pa. — A Carbon County teacher has been arrested in a human sex trafficking investigation.

Officials say Michael Feifel, 55, of Walnutport, was arrested after police in the Lehigh Valley allege he was trying to meet with a minor for sex last week.

Feifel is a history teacher at Lehighton Area High School.

According to court paperwork, police in Lehigh County, Northampton County, and Berks County were working on a human trafficking operation in South Whitehall Township last month.

On June 29, investigators posted several ads on sex websites, pretending to pose as a 17-year-old female working with a 14-year-old female.

Paperwork says Feifel contacted them, saying he would meet with the 17-year-old female, making arrangements to meet after specific sex acts and prices were agreed upon.

When Feifel went to meet the female at the meet-up location, he was arrested by police.

Feifel has been charged with unlawful contact with a minor, prostitution, and criminal use of a communications facility.

A post on the school district website says Feifel is cooperating with authorities and is not involved in any teaching or coaching over the summer break

School officials say their priority is keeping students safe and will evaluate Feifel's employment before the start of the school year and as his case progresses.

Credit: WNEP
Image from Lehighton Area School District website

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