Leah Queen: Gentry school teacher befriended student, 17, had sex with him in her office
GENTRY, ARKANSAS: A middle school physical education teacher of Gentry Public School has been charged with second-degree sexual assault and possession of a controlled substance after authorities found out that she had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student. According to online records, Leah Queen, 43, was arrested on September 15 and the bail was set at $50,000.
According to the affidavit, the victim stated that the sexual contact began in the summer of 2010. According to the affidavit, Leah engaged in sexual activity with the 17-year-old in Leah's office or office bathroom at the intermediate school.
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According to the affidavit obtained by Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Leah allegedly initially befriended the teen at a basketball game; he was 17-years-old at the time. Later Leah and the teen began socializing outside of school hours and were communicating through social media in March 2010.
According to Arkansas Code 5-14-125, sexual assault in the second degree includes sexual contact by a teacher in a K-12 public school with a student in the public school less than 21 years of age. The alleged victim's parents, Leah's ex-husband and a former school teacher reportedly gave in multiple details of the alleged victim's disclosure, including seeing Leah and the student together in a bed at the house where she was staying. The former teacher reported observing "disturbing behavior" on the part of Leah.
Terrie DePoala, the superintendent of Gentry Public Schools, told CBS-5 that Leah has been suspended from her position. The school district is not aware of any other allegations concerning current students.
Gentry Police Chief Clay Stewart said if any parent had a reason to believe Leah may have had inappropriate contact with their children, they could contact the Gentry Police Department.
The Gentry School District sent out a message to parents on September 16 afternoon, where superintendent Terrie DePaola said, "Thank you for your concern regarding an incident with a teacher. We understand and are also concerned. At this time, we have no information regarding the incident(s) leading to the charges made. We are aware of no allegations that would impact our current students and families."
Leah has not entered a plea yet. Court records do not reflect an attorney authorized to speak on her behalf.