Substitute teacher in Illinois admits to having sex with an 11-year-old student.

Illinois Teacher Pleads Guilty to Sexual Assault of Student

An alternative teacher in Illinois has pled guilty to having a sexual relationship with an 11-year-old student, described in reports as being involved in “play dates” at home. Alley Birdfield, 34, a former employee of Decatur Public Schools, is awaiting sentencing scheduled for September after admitting to charges of predatory sexual assault.

According to a lawsuit filed by the victim’s parents, students often visited Birdfield’s home in Mount Zion during the years 2023 and 2024 for various social gatherings.

The victim’s mother noticed a shift in her son’s behavior after these visits, prompting her to check his phone and social media. During a conversation, he disclosed that he had engaged in a sexual encounter with Birdfield at a residence on March 29, 2024, as reported by local police.

“These allegations are shocking, particularly when someone in a position of trust commits such acts,” Mount Zion Police stated. They emphasized their commitment to supporting the victims and their families as they navigate the fallout from these incidents.

It was revealed that Birdfield was communicating with the boy via phone and had even transferred $700 to him through CashApp.

Birdfield, who taught sixth grade at Hope Academy in Decatur, was reportedly terminated from her position following her arrest. In a police interview, she admitted to sexually assaulting a student, transferring money to him, and sending nude images via Snapchat.