Trial begins for Bothell teacher who admitted to faking attack

The trial gets underway Monday for the Bothell High School teacher who admitted faking an attack at the school in May.

Prosecutors charged Cal Pygott with false statements to a public servant and obstructing public officers.

Pygott was found bleeding with a zip tie around his neck on the campus.  A note nearby read, "This man is not god."

The teacher 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. They also reviewed surveillance video.

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.

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.

Police announced in August that the teacher had lied.

If convicted, he could face up to a year in jail and $5,000 fine for each charge.

Cox Media Group