Former Leffen Center therapist facing sex crime with a student charge

A 28-year-old woman from Joplin is facing charges after she allegedly had sexual contact with a 17-year-old student at the Leffen Center for Autism. Read the full press release below:

On December 4th, 2019 a report was received of a staff member of the Leffen Center for Autism, located at 2808 S. Picher Ave having sexual contact with a student. The Joplin Police Department opened an investigation at this time. The investigation found that Victoria J.S. West, 28 years old of Joplin, MO, had sexual contact with a 17-year-old male student on multiple occasions at Schifferdecker Park. West was employed as a behavioral therapist at the time of the incidents. West has been charged with Sexual Contact with a Student and is being held at the Joplin City Jail.