A former Marshalltown school employee was found dead in a basement in Ames when police were serving a warrant Thursday.

The Marshalltown Police Deparment said it received allegations concerning potential sexual exploitation and inappropriate sexual contact between a former school employee and former student on July 6.

The school employee, who was not named in a news release, was working in the Marshalltown Community School District at the time the allegations of misconduct occurred. The name of the man is not being released at this time pending family notifications.

The MPD attempted to serve a search warrant and arrest warrants in the 3700 block of Columbine Circle in Ames. These warrants were being served in connection with this investigation. Officers found a deceased man in the basement of the residence.

The Marshalltown Police Department is continuing to investigate the original sexual exploitation allegation that involves inappropriate communication and sexual contact between a former Marshalltown School employee and a former student, and does not believe there is any threat to the public.

The news follows two arrests and one other death of Marshalltown Community School District employees within the past month. Earlier in July, 26-year-old physical education teacher Mark Edward Farris Esquivel was arrested for sexual exploitation of a 17-year-old student. Within the following week, a Miller Middle School English teacher, 42-year-old Adam Eugene Edgington, was arrested for sexual exploitation of a 13-year-old student and he was later found dead.

Marshalltown Community School District Superintendent Theron Schutte issued a statement.

“The Marshalltown Community School District is aware of the death of a former staff member announced today by the Marshalltown Police Department. The former staff member was being investigated by police in relation to allegations involving a former student.

Student safety is the number one priority for the Marshalltown CSD, and any accusation of a crime which may impact student safety is taken very seriously. This is an active investigation, and any questions should be directed toward the MPD. Counseling services will be available for students and staff Monday-Thursday next week.

More details will be sent to families and staff regarding counseling services.

The Marshalltown CSD took swift action to address recent allegations of misconduct against former employees and will continue to cooperate fully with the MPD. As a result of the allegations, the district is reviewing all existing selection and hiring processes. The District will also be providing additional training on staff ethics and responsibilities, and is reviewing the curriculum to ensure all students are informed about reporting – and empowered to seek help – if a concerning situation arises.

Additionally, the Marshalltown CSD is teaming up with community partners to continue strengthening our existing policies, practices, and procedures to ensure the highest level of protection for students. These and any additional steps are critical to providing a safe, enriching learning environment for Bobcat students.”