Posted on 02/20/2008 5:57:25 AM PST by day10
BENTONVILLE - A Bentonville High School math teacher is behind bars after being accused of having a sexual relationship with a student.
Bentonville police arrested 32-year-old Melissa Monroe of Bella Vista Tuesday, after an investigation led them to believe Monroe had recently been involved in a sexual relationship with one of her male students.
Bentonville Police Chief James Allen explains, "She had texted another teacher, you know, the thing about, 'I can't believe the mistake I've made,' and 'you won't believe what I've done.'"
Based on text messages Monroe sent to a fellow teacher, Bentonville police say Monroe may have planned the incident. They say she did provide the minor with alcohol during the encounter, which occurred at Monroe's Bella Vista home.
Chief Allen says, "This happened to be on a date back in late January, which, uh, happened to be the boy's 18th birthday."
Bentonville High School Principal Steve Jacoby says he and the faculty were stunned by the news of the teacher-student relationship. "They were shocked. They were disappointed. There were tears, because she was a well-respected faculty member here on campus."
Jacoby says he's never had anything like this happen before. "This is my 38th year, and this is the first incident of this magnitude that I've been involved in."
Allen says situations like this make it hard for other teachers, trying to do their job. "They're playing with, not only their career, but their life, marriages. All that goes out the window when criminal behavior like this takes place. This is just a black eye on all those good teachers who are out there doing their job."
Monroe is facing charges of a Class B Felony for sexual assault, as well as knowingly giving alcohol to a minor, a Class C Misdemeanor. If convicted, she will face from 5 to 20 years in prison.
Ping!
The kid was 18!
Supplying alcohol, yeah, but how can it be sexual assault with an 18-year-old (presumably willing) “victim”?
The kid was 18?
Not guilty. And I don’t even have to see a photo of the teacher.
Where were all these teachers when I was in high school?
Poor picture, but I vote 'Not Guilty'.
Then not guilty on aesthetic reasons as well
Pretty lady.
I don’t see how a law can be passed to keep two consenting ADULTS from having a relationship, even if they are teacher and student.
Hmmm... she looks better in the blurry mugshot. I guess that’s where the alcohol came into play.
What happened to just baking cupcakes and singing happy birthday?
18? While not condoning the incident, but he was 18! Why are they even bothering?...........
Maybe, 10 whacks with a wet noodle...
I need to see a picture to know if he was willing. lol
You underestimate the determination of the Old Testament Retributionist. Stoning would remain a viable option in communities like this, were it not for those pesky Feds. ;)
10 hours of community service at the Boys Club.
Not guilty
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