A teacher, Hailey Nichelle Clifton-Carmack, 26, was arrested on January 5, accused of having a relationship with a 16-year-old student. The arrest stemmed from evidence presented by a classmate who shared photos showing scratches on the teenager. Clifton-Carmack, who had fled, was apprehended around 800 miles away from where the alleged incidents occurred.
Additionally, the teenage boy's father faces charges of endangering the welfare of a child, as it's alleged that he knew about the relationship between his son and the teacher.
Court documents revealed that the pair used students as "lookouts" while engaging in sexual acts at school. Text messages related to the alleged relationship were found on the teacher's phone weeks after authorities obtained it on December 8. Clifton-Carmack, reportedly recently separated from her husband, Chase, has been linked to the student in these messages.
The Pulaski County Sheriff's Department received evidence and photos from a student, alleging the relationship between the teacher and the student. An image showing scratch marks on the student was among the evidence provided.
Allegations surfaced that the teacher was "overly friendly" with students and sometimes dressed inappropriately at school.
Clifton-Carmack, after fleeing Missouri for Texas, was arrested and charged with sexual contact with a student, second-degree statutory rape, endangering the welfare of a child, and child molestation. Court documents imply that the father enabled and facilitated the relationship, allowing the teacher to visit his residence and see the victim.
The father, whose name remains undisclosed due to legal reasons, faced charges of endangering the welfare of a child and was instructed to have no contact with Clifton-Carmack.
In response, Laquey R-5 School District Superintendent Kent Stoumbaugh stated that they were aware of criminal charges against an employee for alleged misconduct. Stressing that charges aren't the same as a conviction and that the employee should be presumed innocent until proven guilty, Stoumbaugh emphasized that the alleged misconduct was unacceptable and did not align with the district's professional standards.
The district took immediate action upon becoming aware of the situation, and an ongoing investigation is in progress. The employee has not been present in the district since December 8, 2023, and no return is anticipated.
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