The city of Bothell prosecutor’s office filed charges on Friday against Bothell High School teacher Calvin Pygott, who confessed to lying about being attacked in the school’s wood shop.
Pygott told police he was suicidal and faked a violent attack because he was under a mountain of debt. But according to Pygott's taped confession, police didn't believe that story either. They say his behavior didn’t fit the pattern of other suicide attempts they had investigated. Detectives questioned Pygott about his frustrations with new administrators at the school and the new evaluation system. According to the taped interview, detectives think Pygott faked the attack to get more respect at the school. Pygott told police he got a standing ovation from staff when he returned to work after the "attack."
KIRO 7 News obtained a recording of the interview between Pygott and police, nearly a week after leaders announced the teacher made the story up.
In May, a teacher found Pygott bleeding with a zip tie around his neck. A note nearby read, "This man is not god."
Bothell police locked down the school and opened an investigation, which kept turning up inconsistencies in Pygott's statement.
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According to the recorded interview obtained by KIRO 7 News, Pygott thought he was going to Bothell Police Department to go over timeline details. He was asked to take a polygraph during his visit.
>> WATCH: RAW VIDEO: Bothell teacher talks to KIRO 7 News
After more than hour of back-and-forth with police, Pygott finally admitted he tied the zip tie around his neck and hurt himself with a hammer. Pygott said he did it because he was in debt.
Pygott is charged with making a false or misleading statement to a public servant and obstructing public officers.
If convicted, Pygott could face up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine for each charge. He is scheduled to be arraigned on September 20th in Bothell Municipal Court.
The school district released the following statement:
The Northshore School District has learned that Bothell High School teacher Cal Pygott has been charged with making false statements and obstructing officers.
The district will follow the case closely. For now, the teacher remains on paid administrative leave as the district determines next steps.
We have no additional details to share at this time.