TENINO, Wash. - A Tenino high school teacher accused of having an illicit relationship with a 16-year-old female student turned herself in to police Monday.

Dawn Marie Welter, 38, was arrested and bail was set at $10,100.

She is charged with three counts of communication with a minor for immoral purposes, considered gross misdemeanors. The investigation started in Thurston County but moved to Lewis County where Welter and the student both lived and where the crimes allegedly happened.

KING

Dawn Welter, 38, a high school teacher in the Tenino School District, is accused of having an illicit relationship with a 16-year-old female student.

In early March, the Tenino Police Department called the Thurston County Sheriff's Department to help investigate allegations that Welter had "inappropriate contact" with the student.   Their investigation unearthed MySpace.com messages, emails and phone calls that indicated Welter and the female student have been engaged in an alleged relationship since January.

"There appears to be current contacts going on. As a result, we are seeking a warrant for Ms. Welter's arrest," said Lewis County Prosecutor Mike Golden.

Golden said Welter may also face an additional charge of child rape out of Pacific County for an alleged overnight stay in a South Bend hotel room with the student. No charges have been filed yet in Pacific County.

"It appears there is a close physical and emotional relationship between this 38-year-old teacher and 16-year-old student that was initiated by the teacher and the result is the student has grown quite enamored with the teacher. And they are quite frank in their discussions," said Golden.

The Tenino School District placed Welter on paid administrative leave. Golden says Welter has the weekend to voluntarily turn herself in.

If found guilty of the three gross misdemeanor charges, Welter faces one year in prison for each of the counts, which could be served concurrently, said Golden. Since the charges are also sex offensive, Welter would be required to register as a sex offender.