Arkansas Teacher Loses Appeal in Sex Case - Updated

(Little Rock, Arkansas) In June 2008, a Greene County jury convicted elementary school teacher Monica Ann Cluck on two counts of first-degree sexual assault and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Consequently, Cluck was sentenced to eight years in prison.

The conviction and sentencing were appealed and, yesterday, the Arkansas Court of Appeals upheld the convictions of Monica Ann Cluck. Details of the ruling have not been reported.

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Teacher Accused of Sex with Choir Boy
[Previous 8/11/07 post]
(Paragould, Arkansas) A 25-year-old kindergarten teacher, director of The Singing Hands choir group and Sunday school teacher at the Marmaduke First Baptist Church, Monica Ann Cluck, was arrested by Greene County Sheriff's deputies for allegedly engaging in sex with and providing alcohol to a 17-year-old male in the sign-language choir.

Cluck was charged with first-degree sexual assault and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

From Paragould Daily Press (reg. req.):

According to a copy of a report on file at the Greene County Sheriff's Office, about a month ago, husband Jeffery Cluck approached GCSO Capt. Bruce Drope regarding suspicions of alcohol abuse and sexual activities involving his wife and members of her Singing Hands group at church.

Drope said Cluck advised him of some rumors and how he had noticed some out of the ordinary things around his home. He said on Aug. 2, Cluck said he had set up surveillance and Drope told him to come to the GCSO immediately.

Drope didn't hear from him again, and on Aug. 6, Cluck met Drope at the GCSO. Cluck produced a collection of items along with some of Monica's clothing, all of which showed signs of sexual activity. Cluck then presented Drope with video footage from his residence clearly showing Cluck and the 17-year-old consuming alcohol and having sex on the night of Aug. 4 and the morning of Aug. 5, prior to going to church. Drope noted it was apparent the teen knew his way around the home.

So, confirmation of the husband's suspicions came via a videotape made by the inappropriate rompers. The hands were apparently doing a lot more than singing. In fact, the boy admitted to having sex with Cluck at least 50 times and also named another possible victim.

Monica Cluck was released on her own recognizance.

Tip: Don Morgenstern