In a deeply troubling case out of Kentucky, a teacher stands accused of sexually abusing a child. Charles Hamilton, a teacher at Boonesborough Elementary School in Richmond, is charged with first-degree sexual abuse following allegations that he assaulted a 10-year-old student.

The allegations surfaced when the victim, now 17, disclosed the incident to her therapist. She recounted that during the 2017-2018 academic year, while in fifth grade, Hamilton had assaulted her under alarming circumstances.

According to the arrest warrant, the student claimed that Hamilton followed her into the girls’ bathroom during a power outage. In the darkened environment, he allegedly touched her inappropriately over her clothing, cupping her thigh and making contact with her private area, as reported by FOX 56.

The student further explained that Hamilton entered the bathroom without her consent. She admitted that she had told him “yes” when he was inside because, at the time, she believed she was in love with him and thought such actions were expected between people in love.

The student claimed that Hamilton entered the bathroom without permission. She added that she told him “yes” once he was in the bathroom because, at the time, she thought she had been in love with the teacher and that’s what people in love were supposed to do.

The student also said that Hamilton had been “treating her like she was an adult.”

“Madison County Schools was made aware that the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) was beginning an investigation regarding Charles Hamilton on Sept. 8, 2025,” the school district said in a statement.

“On that same date, Mr. Hamilton was placed on leave pending the outcome of the DCBS investigation. Mr. Hamilton has remained on leave since Sept. 8 and has not returned to his teaching or coaching duties.

“The district will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation,” the school district announced in a statement.”

Hamilton, who’s also a middle school coach, subsequently turned himself in. He was booked into the Madison County Detention Center on a $50,000 cash bond.

Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo via Madison County Detention Center]