Former Illinois Teacher Accepts Plea Deal in Child Abuse Case

Officials report that a former alternative teacher in Illinois has accepted a plea agreement regarding charges of predatory criminal sexual assault.

According to police, the teacher is accused of abusing an 11-year-old male student during a “play date” at her home. Notably, she allegedly attempted to shift the blame onto the boy for the sexual advances.

Alley Bardfield, 34, entered a guilty plea last week for predatory criminal sexual assault involving a child under 13, as part of a partial plea deal. The case has received media attention.

Predatory criminal sexual assault is classified as a Class X felony, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 60 years. However, prosecutors have recommended a 40-year term, allowing for parole eligibility after serving 85% of the sentence.

A decision on Bardfield’s sentencing is expected on September 25.

Previously employed by Decatur Public Schools, Bardfield was arrested on April 3, 2024, following an investigation by local law enforcement. The victim, who is a student in her sixth-grade class, was reported to have shown altered behavior after visiting Bardfield’s home, as noted by his mother.

After reviewing her son’s phone and social media, the mother discovered a $700 transaction on his CashApp account, along with a photo of her son and Bardfield, as confirmed by the police.

In a police statement, authorities indicated that the joint investigation led to the examination of text messages and social media interactions, along with search warrants executed at Bardfield’s residence.

As part of the inquiry, the 11-year-old boy admitted to engaging in sexual relations with Bardfield, including unprotected encounters. Initially, Bardfield mentioned that he was being charged with grooming.

The law firm Cunningham Lopez LLP, which represents the victims, stated that Bardfield had abused his authority as a teacher, thereby breaking the trust placed in him. They emphasized the deep and lasting effects of his actions on the victims, which could cause emotional and psychological struggles.

Moreover, it was reported that the abuse occurred during a “play date” at Bardfield’s residence. Detective Cory James revealed the boy spent 25 hours at Bardfield’s home, where he claimed sexual activities took place in her bedroom.

Police also stated that they monitored the communication between Bardfield and the boy, which included discussions about birth control and pregnancy over text messages. During one phone call, Bardfield allegedly reassured the boy that pregnancy was not an issue and expressed how much he missed him.

Ultimately, Bardfield confessed to having sexual encounters with the 11-year-old and sharing explicit photos, yet she attributed responsibility for the relationship to the boy’s advances.

Following the arrest, Bardfield was dismissed from Decatur Public Schools.