Ex-Bothell Teacher Pleads Guilty to False Classroom Attack

BOTHELL (AP) — A former Seattle-area school district shop teacher has pleaded guilty in connection with lying about being attacked on campus.

Bothell city officials said in a news release Monday that 63-year-old Cal Pygott pleaded guilty Monday to making a false or misleading statement to a public servant and obstruction.

Officials say he will serve 20 days of home detention and pay more than $17,000 in restitution to the Bothell Police Department for investigation costs.

The Bothell High School teacher initially told investigators on May 19 he was hit from behind and choked with a zip tie at the school's wood shop. The school was temporarily locked down.

Police said Pygott later told investigators he was under a mountain of debt and that he intentionally injured himself.

He resigned from the school district in October.