Trial continues for former DPS substitute teacher accused of sexually assaulting 11-year-old student

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The attorney for a former long-term substitute teacher with Decatur Public Schools has withdrawn from her case.

Alley Bardfield .jpg — Alley Bardfield sits in the Macon County Courthouse during her hearing.

Nearly a year ago, Mt. Zion Police arrested Alley Bardfield. During Thursday morning's hearing, Bardfield's attorney withdrew, and the court appointed her a public defender.

Bardfield's case was set for a possible resolution on Thursday, but now a new attorney is assigned to it.

Bardfield is accused of sexually abusing and grooming an 11-year-old student. Mt. Zion Police said that on April 2, 2024, a Decatur resident reported a possible inappropriate relationship between Bardfield and her 11-year-old son.

The victim was a 6th grade student with DPS.

She has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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