Bentley Roach, a teacher at Elmore Stoutt High School, was arrested Friday, accused of indecently assaulting a 13-year-old girl who attends the school, police said.
The 42-year-old Fahie Hill man appeared in Magistrates’ Court yesterday, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The girl allegedly went to him after having an argument with another student, Crown Counsel Jude Hanley said. He brought her into his office, took her hands and allegedly “rubbed the palm of her hands with his tongue,” the prosecutor said. The girl pulled away, and he allegedly moved closer, gave her a hug and told her to behave herself, Ms. Hanley told the court.
Then, Mr. Roach allegedly squeezed the girl’s thigh and again told her to behave, “or he will hit her on her buttocks with a stick,” Ms. Hanley said, adding that he allegedly touched her on the buttocks as she left the office.
When interviewed by police, the defendant “admitted to hugging and holding the hands of the virtual complainant,” but denied having inappropriate contact with her leg or buttocks, according to the prosecutor.
See the June 23, 2011 edition for full coverage.