Arkansas Teacher Gets Jail in Sex Case - Updated

(Bentonville, Arkansas) Former Bentonville High School teacher Melissa Gayle Monroe, 33, pleaded guilty yesterday to felony sexual assault and misdemeanor furnishing alcohol to a minor stemming from engaging in a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old student in early 2008.

Monroe admitted to having intercourse with the man at her home on his 18th birthday in late January. A couple weeks later she sent another teacher a text confessing her crime, according to a probable cause affidavit.

She told the student he could not come over when he asked, but, eventually, she allowed his visit and they had sex three times, the affidavit states.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joni Rose said Monroe would not be allowed to teach again.

Benton County Circuit Judge David Clinger sentenced Monroe to 120 days in jail and five years of probation. She was also ordered to register as a sex offender and pay fines and costs totaling $1,670.

Monroe was directed to report to jail on August 23.

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Arkansas Teacher Accused of Sex with Male Student
[Previous 2/19/08 post]
(Bentonville, Arkansas) A 32-year-old math teacher at Bentonville High School, Melissa G. Monroe, was arrested earlier today for allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a male student.

Monroe has been charged with second-degree sexual assault and knowingly furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Bentonville Police started investigating after receiving "information" that Monroe was sexually involved with a male student.

Monroe was booked into custody at the Benton County Jail. She awaits a bond hearing.


[Update 03/12/08]

From NWANews.com:

Monroe, who taught math in the Bentonville School District for seven years, was sent a certified letter Feb. 20 notifying her of the termination from her position, Superintendent Gary Compton said Monday night.

The Bentonville School Board gave its official approval to the action at the end of its meeting Monday. Monroe has 30 calendar days to appeal her termination, Compton said. When she was arrested, she was placed on suspension with pay.

Monroe was released on $5,000 bail after booking. Her arraignment is scheduled for March 31.