Arkansas mom, 50, held for sexually abusing teenage girl while teaching her biology at church
ROGERS, ARKANSAS: A married Arkansas mother has been arrested and charged after she was accused of sexually assaulting a teenager she was teaching Biology at church.
Alisa Andrews, 50, came to the attention of the authorities after a pastor at the Rogers Christian Church reported that a parent had informed him a teacher was having an "inappropriate" relationship with a 17-year-old student, according to the Sun.
The teen, who attended a home school program taught by Andrews at the church, confirmed the allegations and told detectives that Andrews had performed sex acts on her about 20 times over several months. She also reportedly came in contact with Andrews at the Arkansas Public Theatre amateur dramatics company, where the 50-year-old was a director.
She told them that she had attempted to end their relationship several times, but couldn't do so because Andrews threatened to kill herself each time.
During their investigation, police found evidence, including a handwritten note and several text messages, that confirmed what the teenager had told them.
While the age of consent is 16 in Arkansas, adults holding a position of authority over older kids can still be charged with having a sexual relationship with them. Andrews was arrested on October 30 on charges of first-degree sexual assault - a Class-A felony which is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
She was released after posting a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to make an appearance in Benton County Circuit Court on December 9. According to the probable cause affidavit, none of the sexual contact occurred on church property, and Zack Davis, a lead pastor at the church, said they hosted multiple home-school groups on their campus and that Andrews was in no way affiliated with them.
"We're praying for the victim and her family", he said.