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A FORMER substitute teacher pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting an 11-year-old boy.
Alley Bardfield, 34, was accused last year of sexually abusing a student after she invited him back to her home.
The lawsuit was filed by the young boy’s family, who claimed the teacher would invite the child over for “play dates,” People reported.
Bardfield pleaded guilty last week while at a disposition hearing.
The substitute teacher for the Decatur Public Schools in Illinois was first discovered last April.
There were reports of the boy visiting Bardfield’s home in 2023, with two additional visits in April 2024.
It was previously reported that the boy stayed at the teacher’s home for at least one night.
The victim, who was a 6th-grade student, disclosed having a sexual encounter with the teacher after his mother noticed him acting differently upon returning from Bardfield’s home.
“The victim’s mother reported noticing her son acting differently after a visit to Bradfield’s house,” the Mt. Zion Police Department wrote in a statement.
“As a result, she checked her son’s phone and social media.
“In a follow-up discussion with her son, he disclosed having had a sexual encounter with Bardfield while a guest at her Mt. Zion residence on March 29, 2024.”
While looking through his phone, the mother discovered an exchange of sexual messages as well as a shocking exchange of money.
The teacher sent the boy up to $700 via CashApp.
The officers also conducted a thorough search of the child’s phone, which included a review of text messages and social media.
“As a result of this investigation, corroborating evidence was discovered and probable cause was established to arrest Alley E. Bardfield for predatory criminal sexual assault of a child under 13 years of age and grooming.”
Law enforcement also obtained a warrant for Bardfield’s home, which resulted in the arrest of the teacher.
Mt. Zion Police Department 2024 Statement
April 4, 2024
MT. ZION, ILLINOIS – On April 3rd, officers from the Mt. Zion Police Department and Macon County Sheriff’s Office arrested Alley E. Bardfield, a 32-year-old female from Mt. Zion.
On April 2nd, a Decatur resident spoke to Mt. Zion Police and reported a possible inappropriate relationship between her 11-year-old son and 32-year-old Alley E. Bardfield. The victim is a 6th grade student with DPS District 61. Alley E. Bardfield was a long term substitute teacher assigned to his 6th grade class.
The victim’s mother reported noticing her son acting differently after a visit to Bradfield’s house. As a result, she checked her son’s phone and social media. In a follow-up discussion with her son, he disclosed having had a sexual encounter with Bardfield while a guest at her Mt. Zion residence on March 29, 2024.
On April 3rd, officers with the Mt. Zion Police Department and deputies from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint investigation which included a thorough review of text messages, social media, and a search warrant executed at the suspect’s residence. As a result of this investigation, corroborating evidence was discovered and probable cause was established to arrest Alley E. Bardfield for predatory criminal sexual assault of a child under 13 years of age and grooming. The Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office will review the facts of this case for formal charging decisions. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to call the Mt. Zion Police Department at 217-864-4012.
These allegations are shocking, especially when the alleged perpetrator is a person in a position of trust. The Mt. Zion Police Department is fully committed to working with victims and their families as they deal with the trauma that results from these incidents.
The complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt.
“These allegations are shocking, especially when the alleged perpetrator is a person in a position of trust,” the department ended its statement.
“The Mt. Zion Police Department is fully committed to working with victims and their families as they deal with the trauma that results from these incidents.”
Bardfield told CBS affiliate WCIA that the boy initially made advances towards her.
The teacher reached a partial plea deal in which she pleaded guilty to one count against her.
Although she pleaded guilty, a sentence has not been determined.
Bardfield faces up to 40 years in prison for her conviction.
She will be sentenced on September 25.
