Former West Des Moines teacher charged with sexual assault, kidnapping of 13-year-old

A former West Des Moines Community School District teacher has been arrested and charged for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old in his home.

Danny Allen Hoyt, 57, of Indianola, is facing several sex abuse charges after police say he picked up the teenager from Knoxville on July 19 and allegedly made the victim wear a blindfold when they entered the Indianola area and drove to his home in rural Warren County, court documents said.

Hoyt allegedly sexually assaulted and restrained the victim to a bed inside his house, court documents said. Hoyt also allegedly forced the the teenager to drink a THC-infused beverage.

Hoyt then placed a blindfold on the 13-year-old and dropped them back off in Knoxville, according to a criminal complaint.

Authorities found a large quantity of THC products in Hoyt’s residence, which included THC vapes, gummies and beverages during a search warrant, according to court documents.

Officials from West Des Moines schools told the Register they are aware of Hoyt’s charges and said he had been on administrative leave since April 1. Hoyt did not teach students for the remainder of the school year and retired at the end of the spring semester.

“While we cannot comment on the details of an ongoing legal matter or personnel issues, we understand the seriousness of the situation and will fully cooperate with law enforcement as needed,” officials said in a statement.

Hoyt is currently being held in the Warren County Jail and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Aug. 4.

José Mendiola is a breaking news reporter for the Register. Reach him at jmendiola@dmreg.com or follow him on X @mendiola_news.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Former West Des Moines teacher charged with kidnapping, sexual assault