FLAGSTAFF – A Flagstaff teacher has been charged with having sex with two of his minor students.

John Pertuit, 35, faces six counts of sexual conduct with a minor stemming from separate incidents involving two girls between January 2007 and February of this year.

Pertuit taught electronics at Coconino High School and ran a karate school that uses the school gym. He was arrested at the school Feb. 23.

Police say the 15- and 16-year-old alleged victims were Pertuit’s students at the high school and the karate school. The alleged sexual intercourse occurred in Pertuit’s home or vehicle.

Pertuit was placed on paid administrative leave after his arrest. The district hired him eight years ago after he passed a required background check.

Pertuit is being held in Coconino county jail in lieu of $75,000 bond. He faces three to 12 1/2 years in prison if convicted.

Pertuit was the subject of a police investigation into similar charges in 2007, but the case was closed because the girl involved was uncooperative.

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