Former Teacher Arrested for Sexual Contact with Students

James Dee Coulter | Courtesy: NM State Police

Through the State Police investigation, agents determined sufficient evidence to obtain an arrest warrant and arrested James Dee Coulter today around 9:00 a.m. at an industrial equipment supply company in Farmington where he is currently employed. After his arrest, State Police agents interviewed Coulter. Coulter admitted in his interview to several more unlawful sexual relationships with other female high school students. The New Mexico State Police will further investigate these additional crimes and work to identify any other victims in this case. Coulter will be booked into the San

From NM State Police:

New Mexico State Police Arrest High School Teacher for Sexual Contact with Students

 

Aztec, NM - In June 2018, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was contacted by the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) to investigate evidence resulting from a licensure investigation which indicated that an Aztec, NM high school teacher had an illegal sexual relationship with at least one female high school student. The evidence and statements turned over by PED indicated that high school math and philosophy teacher, James Dee Coulter (31) of Aztec, NM, had an illicit sexual relationship with at least one seventeen-year-old female student.

 

The New Mexico State Police initiated an investigation, which remains ongoing, into these allegations. A former Aztec High School female student disclosed to police that she on at least two occasions had sex with Coulter in 2015 when she was seventeen years old. During the student’s involvement with Coulter, Coulter told the student that if she said anything about their relationship, he would likely go to jail and it could potentially ruin his life, so the student did not report the relationship.

 

Through the State Police investigation, agents determined sufficient evidence to obtain an arrest warrant and arrested Coulter today around 9:00 a.m. at an industrial equipment supply company in Farmington where he is currently employed.

 

After his arrest, State Police agents interviewed Coulter. Coulter admitted in his interview to several more unlawful sexual relationships with other female high school students. The New Mexico State Police will further investigate these additional crimes and work to identify any other victims in this case. Coulter will be booked into the San Juan County Detention Center and is charged with Criminal Sexual Penetration of a Minor (four counts). 

 

On August 9, 2018, the PED issued Coulter a notice of contemplated action to revoke Coulter’s state educator license. Coulter is no longer employed as a teacher at the Aztec High School.

 

This investigation remains ongoing with no further information available.

More from Local News

  • Sheriff's Office Investigates Fatal Shooting

    Upon arrival, deputies made contact with multiple individuals including juveniles and young adults and located a deceased individual identified as Samuell Tariq Liggins, age 20.

  • Suspect Arrested in Farmington Murder Case

    Following an extensive investigation by Farmington Police Department detectives, an arrest warrant was issued for 40-year-old Matthew Sandoval, who is known to have a family connection to Madrid, who has been charged with 1st Degree Murder and Tampering with Evidence. On March 28, Sandoval was located by U.S. Marshals in the 400 block of W. Animas. Farmington Police officers responded and arrested Sandoval on the outstanding warrant.

  • Farmington Temple Opens this Summer

    Invited guests will tour the temple, the afternoon of July 14, and all day on July 15 and 16, 2025. A public open house will run from July 17 to August 2, 2025, excluding Sundays.

  • Police: Farmington Child Abuse Suspect Killed in Home

    Video

    Officers canvassed the area for the suspect; however, investigators believe the individual left the area prior to police arrival. The Farmington Police Department is releasing a video of a person of interest. The video shows a male on a bicycle headed east on Navajo Street towards Lincoln Avenue. The Farmington Police Department urges anyone with information or video surveillance from the area to contact detectives at 505-599-1068.

  • College Opens new Student Health Center

    The $2.2 million Student Health Center spans 2,652 square feet and is designed to provide accessible healthcare services on campus. The center features two exam rooms, three offices for medical and behavioral health professionals, restrooms, storage areas, and additional support spaces.

  • Farmington Couple Accused of Severe Child Abuse

    Reports indicated the child had been locked in a chicken coop for extended periods and exposed to extreme weather conditions. Detectives immediately responded, removed the child from the home, and gathered evidence corroborating the allegations.

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Mist

    High: 55°F | Low: 21°F

  • Durango, CO

    Light snow shower

    High: 48°F | Low: 16°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Mist

    High: 54°F | Low: 23°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Light rain shower

    High: 46°F | Low: 18°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Light rain

    High: 59°F | Low: 25°F