Maries Co. Sheriff investigating Belle substitute teacher

A Maries County man is under investigation for allegedly walking into the girls locker room at Belle High School while students were changing.

The man is a former teacher at Belle and was filling in as a substitute on Monday.

The Maries County Sheriff’s Department is helping the Belle Police Department with the case over.

Sheriff Chris Heitman told ABC 17 News although no charges have been filed, this will be a lengthy investigation.

Heitman said the Belle Police Department called his office because they were overwhelmed by the number of parents complaining about the incident.

As of Thursday night, 12 have complained and all six of the alleged victims will be interviewed.

As far as the suspect, he’s cooperating and has been asked not to come back to school property.

Heitman said this is the first time this type of allegation has been leveled against the teacher.

Heitman went on to say district protocol is for all subs to get a background check before working.

“This isn’t very typical in Maries County. You know, we have good students, good teachers. We are in and out of schools, we’re very active. The school is cooperating with us,” said Heitman.

ABC 17 contacted the superintendent of schools, but he is out of town until Saturday.

Heitman said he expects his investigation to be on the prosecutor’s desk by Monday. Heitman also said this will be brought up at a September 30 PTA meeting at the school.