High School Theatre Director Accused of Impersonating Ariana Grande in Alleged Grooming Scheme — OnStage Blog, Theater News

Scobell himself is not accused of any wrongdoing and had no connection to the case. Prosecutors said representatives for the actor confirmed that he did not know Imamura or the student.

According to prosecutors, the student believed she was developing an online romantic relationship with Scobell.

Authorities say Imamura also created another account that appeared to belong to Ariana Grande. That account allegedly communicated with the student and helped make the other fake identity appear legitimate.

Court records cited by FOX 12 show that Imamura sent the student more than 13,000 text messages over roughly a year and a half.

Investigators also say Imamura bought the student a second phone that she kept hidden from her parents.

Prosecutors allege the online conversations eventually became sexual and that the student sent explicit images and videos after receiving requests from the fake account. Those materials are now part of the criminal case against Imamura.

The investigation began after Central School District officials learned Imamura had been communicating with students outside of school. The district began its own investigation on May 26 and placed him on administrative leave that same day before contacting law enforcement.

Prosecutors say Imamura later asked the student to delete their communications after he learned he was under investigation.

Around the same time, the fake accounts allegedly told the student to delete messages as well. Prosecutors have cited that timing as part of their case that Imamura was controlling the accounts.

Investigators also recovered a second phone belonging to Imamura that prosecutors say had been wiped.

At a July 14 hearing, Imamura’s attorney asked that he be allowed to stay with family in Hawaii while the case moved forward. The judge denied the request and ordered him to remain in Oregon.

Imamura had also previously worked as a student teacher at Sherwood Middle School and Sherwood High School during the 2022-23 school year.

After his arrest, Sherwood Police asked anyone with information about their interactions with Imamura during that time to contact investigators.

Authorities have said the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are possible as investigators continue reviewing electronic evidence.