Mannford teacher arrested on molestation counts

New developments involving a Mannford teacher accused of molesting two of his young students. He is out of the Creek County jail on bond. <br/><br/>43-year-old Mark Stewart was arrested Tuesday afternoon

Tuesday, December 6th 2005, 10:10 pm

By: News On 6

New developments involving a Mannford teacher accused of molesting two of his young students. He is out of the Creek County jail on bond.

43-year-old Mark Stewart was arrested Tuesday afternoon at his Tulsa home. He's been teaching at Mannford Elementary for three years.

Mannford Police say they interviewed two young girls separately who both said Stewart kept them inside during recess and made them sit on his lap. Police say the investigation is far from over and the police chief had this message for parents.

Mannford Police Chief James Hillis: "Just have patience. We're doing everything we can. We want justice for what we believe was done and we're doing everything we can at this point.â€

Police and school leaders are holding a meeting for parents Thursday night at the elementary school to talk about the investigation.

Stewart has been suspended with pay by the Mannford school district until the investigation is completed.