Married teacher raped boy after luring child to her home for 'play dates'
A married teacher tempted an 11-year-old student to her home for so-called "play dates" before raping the child.
Alley Bardfield, 34, was accused of kissing the boy, undressing him and engaging in sexual intercourse with him on the bed she typically shared with her husband at their marital residence, reports the Mirror.
The court was told Bardfield sent the boy $700 (£520) over several months through a money app and swapped explicit photos with him on Snapchat.
The boy's parents became suspicious when they noticed him acting strangely at home, and, after checking his phone and social media, discovered he had been to Bardfield's house in Mount Zion, Illinois, the month before.
Bardfield called the visits "play dates" one of which, disturbingly, led to a sexual encounter.
When his parents confronted him over the text messages, he admitted what had happened, prompting them to call police. They also found pictures of their son with the teacher at her home, reports the Mirror.
His distraught mum rushed him to hospital, where a rape kit was carried out in April 2024. Police then worked with the family to snare Bardfield by getting the boy to send incriminating texts and record phone calls with her.
The boy sent her a message saying he was leaving town but hoped to see her again upon his return. He wrote: "I love you and I miss you, Alley. When I come back I'll see if I can come over."
Bardfield allegedly responded: "You're always welcome. I love and miss you too."
Police obtained a court order for a wiretap, during which the boy phoned Bardfield and she told him "her tubes are tied" and she "cannot get pregnant". The affidavit states he then asked if they could "do it again" if he came over that weekend and Bardfield allegedly replied: "Yes."
Bardfield, a supply teacher from an Illinois school, admitted to predatory criminal assault against a minor this week. A spokesperson for Mount Zion Police said: "These allegations are shocking, especially when the alleged perpetrator is someone in a position of trust."
"The Mt. Zion Police Department is fully committed working with victims and their families as they deal with the trauma that results from these incidents."
Upon the emergence of the allegations in April last year, Bardfield, who is married to a construction worker, was promptly dismissed from her position. The school issued a statement saying: "While none of the alleged conduct occurred at a school, student safety is always our top priority. We are working with Mount Zion Police and providing support to students and staff."
Bardfield is set to be sentenced on September 25. Predatory criminal sexual assault carries a maximum sentence of up to 60 years in prison.
However, prosecutors have agreed to limit the recommended sentence to 40 years.
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