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Idaho teacher and LGBTQ activist accused of raping 16-year-old after meeting boy on 'dating hookup site'
Ada County Sheriff's Office

Idaho teacher and LGBTQ activist accused of raping 16-year-old after meeting boy on 'dating hookup site'

An Idaho junior high school teacher and LGBTQ activist is accused of raping a 16-year-old boy.

Eric McDermott, 59, has been accused of raping a 16-year-old boy and former student. McDermott reportedly taught world studies and human geography at Fairmont Junior High School. He was also a boys' basketball coach at the school in Idaho. The Boise teacher was also an outspoken LGBT activist.

McDermott contacted the minor on a "dating hookup site," according to prosecution statements at the arraignment. McDermott allegedly taught the boy when he was 15 years old.

The Idaho Statesman reported, "McDermott allegedly sent nude photos and communicated with the teen for several days before picking him up and driving him to McDermott’s home, where the teacher allegedly sexually assaulted him."

Boise School District spokesman Dan Hollar said the school put McDermott on leave "immediately after being notified" by the Boise Police Department of his arrest.

"We understand that this news will raise concerns about student safety and we want to assure our families that the District is fully cooperating with law enforcement and prosecutors as they investigate this matter," Hollar said in a letter sent to parents.

McDermott is a fervent LGBTQ activist, according to past social media postings.

The Idaho Tribune reported, "McDermott would travel all around Idaho, attending drag shows and pride events, seeking 'volunteers' ages 16 and up – the same age as his alleged victim.'"

According to the Post Millennial, "On McDermott's social media, he openly discussed 'youth outreach,' and the Tribune noted that he traveled all over the state attending drag shows and pride events in search of 'volunteers' as young as sixteen. He also promoted sexually explicit literature aimed at teens via an online forum Goodreads, revealing that he made copies of a book series available to his junior high school students to borrow, the same series he conceded is 'probably a bit more mature for this group's target audience overall.'"

McDermott was being held on $1 million bail at the Ada County Jail. McDermott is scheduled to appear at a preliminary hearing on April 27.

McDermott was charged with felony charges of rape and sexual battery committed by lewd or lascivious acts on a minor child 16 to 17 years of age, according to KIVI-TV.

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