AWC college professor arrested on out-of-state warrant

Arizona Western College police officers served a felony warrant for the arrest of professor Henry Averhart earlier this month for extradition back to Grand Rapids, Mich.

According to Lori Stofft, dean of public relations and marketing, Averhart was taken into custody on March 4, adding that she did not know when or where on campus he was taken into custody.

“I do know it wasn't during any classes,” Stofft said.

Stofft also said that the charge or charges that Averhart was arrested on were completely unrelated to his work at AWC.

Averhart was a professor of speech communication and had been at the college for about two years. Stofft said Averhart was teaching five classes this semester, all of which by now have been filled with other instructors.

Stofft said since there is an ongoing investigation into Averhart's arrest, the college cannot comment on the matter any further.

The Yuma Sun also attempted to contact the AWC Police Department, but was told no one was available for comment on the matter until Monday.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.