A woman who previously worked as a substitute teacher at Decatur Public Schools in Illinois has been sentenced to ten years in prison after admitting to sexually assaulting an 11-year-old boy. Alley Bardfield, a 34-year-old mother of three, confessed to engaging in criminal sexual assault with the child, who she lured to her home under the guise of “play dates” before raping him. The incident came to light when the boy’s mother noticed a change in his behavior following a sleepover at Bardfield’s residence. The teacher had sent the boy around £700 over several months and exchanged text messages and photos with him.
The boy revealed to authorities that Bardfield took him to her bedroom, where they kissed and undressed before the assault took place. The circumstances surrounding the boy staying at Bardfield’s residence while her family was away remain unclear. Subsequently, the police, in collaboration with the boy and his mother, devised a plan to gather evidence against Bardfield through text messages and recorded calls. Bardfield was caught agreeing to further illicit activities with the boy, leading to her arrest at her home.
Bardfield, who was terminated from her teaching position after the allegations surfaced, pleaded guilty to the charges approximately 16 months later. She received a ten-year prison sentence, with credit for time served and half credit for time spent in jail. Despite showing remorse during the trial, the judge believed in her potential for rehabilitation, a sentiment that angered the victim’s family, prompting them to leave the courtroom. Macon County State’s Attorney Diane Couri supported a 40-year prison term for Bardfield, emphasizing the severe impact of such crimes on victims and advocating for just sentencing in cases involving vulnerable individuals.