Jackson teacher charged with exposing self

JACKSON, Mo. -- An elementary schoolteacher was issued a summons Wednesday in which he is accused of exposing himself in a public park.

According to court documents, Ralph J. Beck Jr. exposed himself while standing under a pavilion at South County Park last week.

Beck, 49, who teaches at West Lane Elementary School in Jackson, is charged with a class B misdemeanor of sexual misconduct. If convicted, he could face a possible punishment of one day to six months in the county jail and be fined up to $500.

A complaint filed by assistant prosecuting attorney Scott A. Lipke claims Beck exposed himself "under circumstances in which he knew that such conduct was likely to cause affront or alarm."

Witnesses to the alleged incident include an undercover highway patrolman and a sheriff's deputy.

Contacted Wednesday evening, Jackson school superintendent Ron Anderson said he would discuss the situation with the school board to see if any action is necessary.