Former Topeka Hayden teacher accused of raping student at previous school, arrested by KBI

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has arrested the former band teacher at Hayden Catholic High School. He is accused of raping a student at a previous school.

Brian Stuckenschmidt, 38, of Topeka, was arrested by KBI agents Tuesday evening on a warrant for rape and aggravated criminal sodomy, the agency announced in a news release.

Stanton County District Court records show Stuckenschmidt is accused of raping and sodomizing a victim "who did not consent thereto" and was "overcome by force or fear."

The KBI started investigating in May "after a former student reported incidents that took place between January and May of 2018, when Stuckenschmidt was her music teacher at USD 452 in Johnson City, Kansas."

"Stuckenschmidt is currently employed at a Topeka school, but was placed on administrative leave in June 2023, when KBI agents brought the investigation to the attention of school officials," the KBI said.

Last year's Kansas State High School Activities Association directory shows Stuckenschmidt was on the faculty at Hayden, and Hayden made a Facebook post in June 2020 welcoming him to the school.

The Facebook post included a quote from Stuckenschmidt.

"Christ is a very important part of my life," he said. "He has inspired me to be a teacher, and it is worship music that makes me want to pursue education. I want to be able to strengthen the faith of my students through music. I want to inspire them to seek a deeper relationship with Christ through a love of music."

The KBI said the investigation is ongoing, and Stuckenschmidt was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Jail records show he was being held for another county on a $150,000 bond.

How the schools responded to investigation and arrest

Stuckenschmidt resigned in July, said Marissa Easter, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. He has not worked for Hayden High School, Holy Family Schools or the Archdiocese since June, when he was placed on leave because of the criminal investigation.

"We take matters of this nature seriously, prioritizing the safety and well-being of our community members," Easter said.

Stuckenschmidt completed a background screening when he was first hired, and, "The Archdiocese was not aware of any allegations or investigations before this incident."

"At the time Mr. Stuckenschmidt was placed on leave, an announcement was made to both communities where he was employed in the Archdiocese," Easter said. "To date, the Archdiocese has not received any allegations or concerns stemming from Mr. Stuckenschmidt’s time of employment at either location."

If any allegations are received, they will be immediately reported to law enforcement, she said. The Archdiocese encourages anyone with knowledge of misconduct to file a confidential report at 913-647-3051 or online at www.archkck.org/reportabuse.

The superintendent of Stanton County USD 452 declined to comment.

Jason Alatidd is a Statehouse reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at jalatidd@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Jason_Alatidd.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Former Topeka Hayden teacher accused of raping pupil at previous school