Former substitute teacher accused of sexually assaulting 11-year-old student pleads not guilty

MT. ZION, Ill. (WAND) — A former long-term substitute teacher with Decatur Public Schools who is accused of sexually abusing and grooming an 11-year-old student entered a plea of not guilty in court Wednesday. 

>>Family of 11-year-old who was allegedly sexually assaulted by teacher retains attorney

Alley Bardfield, 32, was arrested on April 3 by Mt. Zion Police on charges of grooming and predatory criminal sexual assault of a child under 13. The class X felony is punishable by 6 to 60 years in prison.

In court Wednesday, she pleaded not guilty and waived a preliminary hearing. She is due back in court in June.

Mt. Zion Police said that on April 2, a Decatur resident reported a possible inappropriate relationship between Bardfield and her 11-year-old son. The victim is a 6th grade student with DPS. 

The victim's mother said her son had been acting differently after a visit to Bardfield's home. As a result, she said she checked her son's phone and social media. Her son said he had a sexual encounter with Bardfield while he was a guest at her Mt. Zion residence on March 29, 2024, police said. 

On April 3, officers with Mt. Zion Police and deputies from the Macon County Sheriff's Office conducted a joint investigation which included executing a search warrant at Bardfield's residence and a review of her text messages and social media accounts. 

"As a result of this investigation, corroborating evidence was discovered and probable cause was established to arrest Alley E. Bardfield," police said. 

According to a sworn statement from a Mt. Zion officer, the child's mother said that Bardfield had sent the child over $700 through CashApp over the prior months.

During a mirandized interview with Bardfield, she admitted to having sexual penetration with the victim on one occasion. She also stated that she paid him via CashApp and exchanged nude photographs on Snapchat.

Bardfield is no longer employed with DPS, the District told WAND News.

DPS said none of the alleged conduct occurred at a DPS school, however, "Student safety is always our top priority. We are working with Mt. Zion Police and providing support to students and staff."

Mt. Zion Police Chief Adam Skundberg said, "It's a really shocking thing when this happens ... You've got to give the mother some credit for noticing some things and then following up on it." 

"Parents have instincts, and there's nothing wrong with following up on those," Chief Skundberg added.

Bardfield appeared in court Thursday afternoon. She was denied pretrial release and will remain in Macon County Jail. She will be back in court April 17. 

Mt. Zion Police ask anyone who has more information pertaining to this investigation to call (217) 864-4012.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Copyright 2024 WAND TV. All rights reserved.