More students accusing Knoxville teacher of sexual exploitation

Two more students have come forward against a Knoxville teacher who was charged with the sexual exploitation of a 16-year-old female student.

Justin Mikels has been on paid administrative leave from the alternative GOAL School since October, when allegations first surfaced. He now faces three charges of sexual exploitation of a minor by a school employee or therapist.

The 25-year-old Mikels is in his second year at the school, where he teaches social studies.

Knoxville Police Chief Dan Losada says that the two additional female students who accused Mikels could show a behavior pattern. The exploitation charges are misdemeanors, but Losada says the pattern could allow the county attorney to file the charges as felonies.

Losada says police learned in the first investigation that there could be more victims.

Mikels has been released from the Marion County jail on a $4,000 bond. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for Dec. 11.

It was unclear Friday whether Mikels has hired an attorney. He could not be reached for comment.

-- Associated Press