Galema

A Marshalltown Community School District (MCSD) employee was arrested Thursday and charged with sexual exploitation over an alleged inappropriate relationship with a student that occurred between 2014 and 2019.

A press release from the Marshalltown Police Department (MPD) indicated that on Nov. 7, an investigation began ultimately resulting in the arrest of Stacy Galema, 35, on the following charges: two counts of sexual exploitation by a school employee, one a Class D felony and the other an aggravated misdemeanor, and lascivious conduct with a minor, a serious misdemeanor. As of Thursday evening, Galema was being held at the Marshall County Jail on a cash bond totaling $8,000 for all three counts.

The MCSD website lists Galema as the high school building secretary and head girls soccer coach, and she is currently on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Additionally, the Marshalltown Community College (MCC) website indicates that she serves as an assistant women’s soccer coach at the college.

The MCSD issued the following statement about the allegations on Thursday.

“The Marshalltown Community School District has been made aware by the Marshalltown Police Department of an allegation involving a current staff member regarding an inappropriate relationship with a former student. Upon learning of this information, the district immediately placed the employee on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation,” it reads. “The district is fully cooperating with law enforcement as they continue their work. Because this is an active investigation, and to protect the privacy rights of all individuals involved, the district cannot share additional details at this time. The Marshalltown Community School District takes any allegation of misconduct seriously. The safety and security of our students are our top priorities, and we remain committed to maintaining a learning environment built on trust and respect.”