Daniel Aiken Smithson

An Uncharted Shores Academy custodian was arrested Sunday on several charges of sexual misconduct with a minor.

Daniel Aiken Smithson, 41, faces the following charges: oral copulation; contacting a minor with intent to commit a sex crime; arranging a meeting with a minor for sexual purpose; continuous sexual abuse of a child; sexual penetration with a foreign object — victim under 14; annoying a child under 18; annoying/molesting a child under 18, according to the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies placed Smithson in custody on Sunday. Del Norte County District Attorney Katherine Micks said Monday she couldn’t confirm or deny whether Smithson’s alleged crimes occurred at school or involved a student. Smithson is scheduled to be arraigned at 1:10 p.m. Tuesday, Micks told the Wild Rivers Outpost.

Smithson, who has worked for Uncharted Shores Academy for about six years, has been placed on administrative leave, said USA Executive Director Margie Rouge. He also teaches electives, art, Chess and Dungeons and Dragons, according to USA’s website.

Daniel Aiken Smithson's picture from the Uncharted Shores Academy website.

“The charges against him in no way involve the school nor children at the school,” Rouge said, quoting a note she will send home to parents. “We have someone taking over his custodial duties and his elective classes have been cancelled.”

Rouge also confirmed that Daniel Smithson is the son of Shari Smithson, Uncharted Shores Academy's education director. Rouge said Shari Smithson didn't have anything to do with the crimes Daniel Smithson is accused of and would be away from work this week.

Daniel Smithson’s bail is currently $500,000, according to the sheriff’s office.

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