DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The family of a Decatur Public Schools 6th grader who was allegedly sexually assaulted by a long-term substitute teacher has filed a complaint against the teacher as well as Decatur Public School District #61.
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.
According to Mt. Zion police, during a mirandized interview, Bardfield admitted to having sex with the victim at her home, as well as exchanging nude photos with him on Snapchat.
The complaint, filed by the parents of the victim, claims that DPS "employed a policy, pattern, and practice of failing to adhere and comply with State of Illinois laws on training for sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and grooming."
The filing states that data acquired from the software system used by the district to track attendance at state-required trainings showed that Bardfield failed to complete training on adult sexual misconduct, ethics on sexual misconduct, recognizing and reporting child abuse, and title IX training.
The plaintiffs argue that DPS "knew or should have known" that Bardfield was unfit for the position based on her failing to complete these trainings.
Additionally, the complaint states that the victim was not the only student who received Bardfield's personal phone number while she was employed at Hope Academy.
Bardfield has remained in custody at the Macon County Jail since her arrest in April, and has a pre-trial appearance set for this week.
Regarding the case, DPS provided the following statement, "To maintain the integrity of the investigation process and/or pending litigation regarding Mrs. Bardfield, the district will not comment or make a statement."
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