Infignos Media - Rape 'didn't involve school system'

From Local News

Brought to you by Buyer's Edge Realty

Annie Brunson, Buyer’s Edge Realty: A long record of successfully guiding buyers and sellers through all aspects of real estate.

Rape 'didn't involve school system'

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

An attorney representing a teacher charged with the second-degree rape of a juvenile said the matter does not involve the local School System.

“None of the allegations against her have any connection to a school or the School System, and it is very unfortunate that so many people have jumped to the conclusion that the School System was somehow involved,” said Pell City attorney Erskine Funderburg, who is representing former Williams Intermediate School teacher Heather Rich Whitten.

Whitten, 38, of Pell City was arrested and charged Friday with the second-degree rape of a juvenile boy.

Authorities say second-degree rape charges are brought against an adult who has sexual intercourse with a child younger than the age of 16 but older than 12.

“As of today, we have had little opportunity to investigate these serious charges against Mrs. Whitten,” Funderburg said in a written statement released Tuesday.

Whitten was released on a $5,000 bond shortly after her arrest Friday.

“On Monday, Mrs. Whitten resigned her teaching position with the Pell City Board of Education due to the unwarranted negative attention these charges were bringing to her co-workers and her students,” Funderburg said.

Schools Superintendent Dr. Bobby Hathcock said Monday that Whitten was initially suspended without pay, pending a termination hearing, but she tenured her resignation late Monday.

“Mrs. Whitten was a dedicated teacher and regrets that these charges have impacted her co-workers and her students, and her resignation is best for all involved at the present time,” Funderburg said Tuesday.

According to the Williams Intermediate School website, Whitten was a fifth-grade reading and language arts teacher.

Prior to teaching at Williams Intermediate, she taught fourth-grade at Eden Elementary School for three years.

St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Owen Walton said Monday that Whitten’s arrest came after a report was filed Friday with the Sheriff’s Department.

Authorities were tight-lipped and would not comment on details regarding their case against Whitten.

“Obviously these are serious charges, and the proper place to address them is in court,” Funderburg wrote in his statement Tuesday. “Therefore, we will have no further public comment on this matter.”

Here's More...

Dental Health is Important for Children's 'Baby Teeth'

only 63 percent of children ages two to four see the dentist at least annually.

Lamb Chops and Red Wine: A Perfect Easter Pairing

consider a classic red variety like Cabernet Sauvignon.

Alabama Department of Public Health issues 2016 Fish Consumption

advisory may place the consumer at risk for harm from the contaminant.

Aquarium animals and plants should never be released in the wild

Releasing aquatic plants is illegal

Keywords: attorney,rape,school system

Visit Local News