Bothell teacher who admitted to faking his own attack pleads guilty to criminal charges

BOTHELL, Wash. — A former teacher who faked his own attack at Bothell High School earlier this year has pleaded guilty to two criminal charges.

Calvin Pygott pleaded guilty to making a false or misleading statement and obstructing public officers, according to the city of Bothell. He will serve 20 days of home detention and pay $17,000 in court-ordered fines including restitution to the Bothell Police Department.

Pygott resigned as of Oct. 6, the school district said. He also notified the district he was surrendering his teaching license.

Back in May, Pygott was found bleeding with a zip tie around his neck. Pygott said he was attacked from behind while in his classroom. Bothell police locked down the school and opened an investigation that kept turning up inconsistencies with Pygott’s statement.

Police said Pygott finally admitted that he tied the zip tie around his neck and hurt himself with a hammer. Pygott said he did it because he was in debt.

Police announced in August that the teacher had lied.