Osage School teacher charged with sodomy, accused of having inappropriate contact with students
UPDATE 5 pm: According to a probable cause statement, a student told investigators Edwards touched her inappropriately on two separate occasions in April.
The student said Edwards touched her butt at school during the week of April 9. She also told investigators Edwards placed his hand on her thigh while on school bus for a field trip on Apr. 17.
A detective with the sheriff’s office looked at the school bus video and saw Edwards sitting next to the student. The detective said the video showed Edwards kissing the student on the head.
During an interview with investigators, Edwards said he rubbed the student’s leg under her clothing and touched her in a sexual manner.
UPDATE 4:30 pm: Superintendent Dr. Brent Depee released the following statement to ABC 17 News:
“We received a report of suspicious behavior involving an employee. A hotline report was made to Missouri Children’s Division, the employee, Mark Edwards, was questioned and immediately placed on administrative leave and local law enforcement was notified. As a result of our administrative investigation in collaboration with local law enforcement, Mr. Edwards has been charged with Statutory Sodomy in the First Degree. As always, the safety and security of all students is paramount to the district. Through extensive background checks beyond state requirements and consistent, ongoing staff training we are focused on keeping our kids safe and secure. When an employee breaks our trust, we do not hesitate to respond swiftly, effectively, and to the full extent of the law. In addition, we are thankful for our partnership with local law enforcement and child advocacy agencies. Please contact your school administrator if you have any information that may assist us in this, or any other, ongoing investigation.”
“Edwards was initially employed on August 07, 2008. Termination procedures are currently in process.”
ORIGINAL STORY: Miller County deputies arrested Mark Alan Edwards on Wednesday after officers were notified about allegations of misconduct between an Osage School teacher and a student.
Deputies said the children involved were interviewed and evidence was collected.
Edwards admitted to investigators that he had inappropriate contact with students from School of the Osage.
Edwards is charged with statutory sodomy and sexual contact with a student. His bond has been set at $300,000.
