A teacher at a private Christian school in Virginia has been arrested on charges of engaging in sexual activity with a minor, police and prosecutors have confirmed.
Katelin Campbell, 34, an English teacher at CH Friend School in Halifax County, was taken into custody on Thursday. The school caters to students from seventh through twelfth grade.
Authorities allege that Campbell engaged in sexual conduct with a child aged 15 years or older.
The case is being prosecuted under Virginia state law, which makes it a criminal offence for adults in positions of authority to exploit minors.
Campbell was dismissed from her teaching post immediately after the allegations surfaced. The school administration reported the concerns to law enforcement before an arrest was made.
Headmistress Dana Jones said the school acted swiftly once information was brought forward. “We chose integrity instead of it being swept under the rug,” she told WSET, a local television station.
Quoting scripture, Jones added: “If it was done in the dark, it was going to be brought to light. We took what we were told to them and let them carry on with their investigation.”
She acknowledged that involving police would inevitably place the school under public scrutiny. “We understood that taking it to the police department was going to shine a light on us, but it was the right thing to do,” Jones said.
Jones declined to confirm whether the victim in the case is a current student at CH Friend School. Authorities also did not release identifying details about the child, citing privacy protections.
In addition to the main charge of unlawful sexual conduct, Campbell faces a separate count of taking indecent liberties with a child by a person in a custodial or supervisory role.
Virginia law treats custodial sexual offences seriously, particularly when involving educators who hold positions of trust and responsibility over minors.
Following her arrest, Campbell was processed at the Halifax County Adult Detention Center. She was later released on bond, pending further court proceedings.
Court records show Campbell will be required to appear before a judge in the coming weeks. A preliminary hearing date is expected to be set shortly.
Investigators have not disclosed how the alleged misconduct first came to light or how long the relationship is believed to have lasted.
The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing and urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
The case has sparked concern within the local community, with parents and residents seeking reassurance that students are being protected.
Legal experts say cases of alleged teacher-student sexual misconduct are handled with particular sensitivity, balancing the rights of the accused with the welfare of minors involved.
If convicted, Campbell could face a prison sentence and mandatory registration as a sex offender, depending on the final outcome of the case.
The school has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and said its priority remains the safety and wellbeing of its students.
Editing by M10News Crime Desk | Contact: crime@m10news.com
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