Former teacher pleads not guilty to assault
A former Texarkana, Texas, Independent School District teacher accused of sexual misconduct with a student entered a not-guilty plea Thursday at a hearing in Miller County, Ark.
Carlton James Bailey Jr., 26, entered a not-guilty plea to a charge of first-degree sexual assault with the help of Texarkana lawyer Josh Potter. The allegations involve an 18-year-old female who was allegedly a student in Bailey’s sociology class at Texas High School in January, according to a probable cause affidavit used to create the following account.
The student reported that Bailey was flirtatious with her and that the two began exchanging messages via Instagram and SnapChat. Bailey allegedly gave the girl candy and an energy drink while at school March 22. The girl told investigators that she gave Bailey her address in Texarkana, Ark., and that Bailey came to visit her that night at approximately 11:30 p.m. while the other adults in the home were sleeping.
The girl described a somewhat forcible encounter that included sexual contact. Bailey allegedly left the house with a blanket from the girl’s bedroom. Bailey allegedly denied ever being at the girl’s home or knowing where she lives when first interviewed by Texarkana, Ark., investigators. After being warned that investigators intended to review video surveillance footage from nearby businesses and have the police department’s Crime Scene Investigation unit process the student’s room for evidence, Bailey allegedly confessed and provided an account in keeping with that provided by the alleged victim.
In a previous interview, TISD spokeswoman Tina Veal Gooch said Bailey’s employment with the school district ended June 30. It is illegal for a person employed as a teacher in a public or private K-12 school to engage in sexual contact with a student regardless of the student’s age.
Bailey faces six to 30 years in prison and a fine up to $15,000.
Bailey is free on a $15,000 bond and is ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Brent Haltom. Bailey is scheduled to return to court Oct. 2.