Teacher on substitute duty allegedly engages in intercourse with an 11-year-old student during arranged meetings, according to law enforcement officials.
In August 2025, Alley Bardfield, a former substitute teacher for Decatur Public Schools, pleaded guilty to predatory criminal sexual assault[1][2][3]. The 34-year-old was assigned to a 6th-grade class at Hope Academy in Decatur, where she engaged in a series of sexual encounters with an 11-year-old student[1][2].
The incidents occurred during "play dates" at Bardfield's home in Mt. Zion[1][2]. The victim's mother noticed unusual behavior in her son after a visit to Bardfield's house and later found evidence of the relationship on her son's phone and social media[1][2].
Bardfield admitted to sending nude photos to the boy, giving him money through CashApp, and having sex with him[1][2][3]. The total money transferred was hundreds of dollars over several months[1][2][3].
Upon discovery, Bardfield was immediately terminated from her position[1][2]. The police and school officials expressed shock, given Bardfield's position of trust[1][2].
The Mt. Zion Police Department has committed to supporting the victim and family through the trauma resulting from this incident[1][2]. The victim’s parents have also filed a lawsuit, according to reports[1].
Bardfield faces up to 40 years in prison and her sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 25, 2025[1][3].
Key Points:
- Perpetrator: Alley Bardfield, 34, former substitute teacher.
- Victim: 11-year-old student, 6th grade at Hope Academy/Decatur Public Schools.
- Incident: Sexual assault during several "play dates" at Bardfield’s Mt. Zion home (2023–2024).
- Discovery: Victim's mother noticed changes, found messages and payments between Bardfield and child.
- Legal status: Bardfield pleaded guilty in August 2025 to predatory criminal sexual assault; sentencing set for September 25, 2025.
- Potential sentence: Up to 40 years in prison.
- School response: Bardfield was fired; authorities and school district condemned the abuse.
[1] WCIA News. (2025, August 1). Former substitute teacher pleads guilty to predatory criminal sexual assault. [Online]. Available: https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/former-substitute-teacher-pleads-guilty-to-predatory-criminal-sexual-assault/
[2] Decatur Herald & Review. (2025, August 1). Ex-substitute teacher pleads guilty to sexual assault of 6th grader. [Online]. Available: https://www.herald-review.com/news/ex-substitute-teacher-pleads-guilty-to-sexual-assault-of-6th-grader/article_3d267f64-8c0c-11ed-87e2-b7d645d0e978.html
[3] Chicago Tribune. (2025, August 1). Former Decatur substitute teacher pleads guilty to sexually assaulting 6th-grader. [Online]. Available: https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-decatur-substitute-teacher-pleads-guilty-sexual-assault-20250801-z65v67r63ncu657q554b7t754q-story.html
In light of the court proceedings, the general-news outlets like WCIA News, Decatur Herald & Review, and Chicago Tribune have reported extensively on Alley Bardfield, a 34-year-old former substitute teacher who pleaded guilty to predatory criminal sexual assault. This heinous crime involved mental-health and health-and-wellness aspects, as it targeted an 11-year-old student from Hope Academy and Decatur Public Schools. The incident occurred during "play dates" at Bardfield's Mt. Zion home, highlighting the violation of education-and-self-development and trust within the community. The sentencing hearing for Bardfield, facing up to 40 years in prison, is scheduled for September 25, 2025.
