Partially nude pictures found on teacher’s and students’ phones

Cell phones seized from two students and from Peabody-Burns social studies teacher Chris Young contained partially nude photos of all three, according to a probable cause affidavit released Friday by district court.

The affidavit also states that Young gave one of the students a promise ring as a Christmas gift.

The sworn document itemizes information and evidence investigators gathered before Young’s arrest on charges of having unlawful sexual relations with two students and sexual exploitation of a child.

It details how police were tipped off to the situation, what was learned during the investigation, and what evidence was seized.

According to the affidavit, several people spoke to police about alleged incidents involving Young and two students, which police learned dated back to December.

Cell phones seized by police from both the students and Young contained photos of all three showing them partially nude, the affidavit states.

Young, 45, is charged with eight felony counts.

When he surrendered to authorities March 5 at Marion County Courthouse, he was greeted by 40 supporters, ranging from high school students to retirees.

Most walked over to hug him and patted him on the back. Young hugged people and thanked them for being there, and occasionally dabbed his cheek with a tissue.

Bond had been set at $150,000 when an arrest warrant was issued for him several days earlier and he, in the words of county attorney Courtney Boehm, “disappeared in the middle of the night.”

Boehm said she also was concerned that Young had contacted one of the victims while police were searching for him.

At the request of Young’s attorney, however, bond was lowered to a $50,000 surety bond, with an additional $100,000 personal recognizance penalty should he not show up in court.

Preliminary hearing was set for April 16.