Teacher charged amid claims she had sex with teen in school bathroom
A PE teacher has been accused of allegedly sexually abusing a minor in the school toilets.
Leah Queen, 44 — a teacher at Gentry Intermediate School in the US state of Arkansas — has been charged with second-degree sexual assault and possession of a controlled substance following her arrest last week.
Queen allegedly began a sexual relationship with the 17-year-old high school student after befriending him at a basketball game in 2010, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
The affidavit claims that the teacher and student began to "engage in deviate sexual activity" in the summer of that year in the school's bathroom as well as Queen's office, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette reports.
The alleged victim informed police of the nature of their alleged relationship last month.
"Multiple details of the alleged victim's disclosure" have been corroborated by the alleged victim's parents, Queen's ex-husband and a former school teacher, the police affidavit said.
At least one witness stated that Queen and the alleged victim had been seen together in bed, the affidavit claims.
Because Arkansas state has no statute of limitations for sexual assault involving a minor, Queen can still be charged for the alleged crimes committed 12 years ago.
Queen reportedly refused to make a police statement and has not entered a plea or appointed an attorney to speak on her behalf, according to court records.
She was held at Benton County Jail before bail was set at USD$50,000 (A$75,449).
A bond was then posted and she was released from custody last Saturday, local media reports.
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Teacher placed on administrative leave
Gentry Public Schools Superintendent Terrie DePaola has confirmed that Queen has been placed on administrative leave.
"Thank you for your concern regarding an incident with a teacher. We understand and are also concerned. At this time, we have no information regarding the incident(s) leading to the charges made," a statement sent to parents said, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette reports.
"We are aware of no allegations that would impact our current students and families."
The investigation is ongoing.
Newsflash/Australscope
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