A Missouri teacher is facing serious charges after accusations of inappropriate behavior with a student surfaced, supported by evidence provided by a witness. The witness showed police pictures of scratches on the alleged victim’s back, claiming they were a result of inappropriate contact. Additionally, the student’s father is also charged with child endangerment, with police alleging that he was aware of the situation and allowed it to continue.
Hailey Clifton-Carmack, 26, was arrested in Texas and is now charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, second-degree statutory assault, inappropriate contact with a student, and fourth-degree child molestation, according to the Garden Ridge Police Department’s Facebook post. She is currently awaiting extradition to Missouri.
Clifton-Carmack, who formerly taught at Laquey High School, is accused of being involved with a 16-year-old student, as detailed by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department in a probable cause statement reviewed by PEOPLE.
On December 7, a student witness reported the alleged inappropriate relationship between Clifton-Carmack and the student to a school resource officer. The witness informed police that the alleged victim had shown them pictures of scratches on his back, claiming they were from Clifton-Carmack. The witness also reported overhearing a phone conversation in which Clifton-Carmack allegedly told the student, “I’m out of state but I can send you money baby,” in response to being informed it was his birthday.
Previously, Clifton-Carmack had been cautioned by the school superintendent for getting too close to students, according to the probable cause statement. Authorities claim the witness said the student believed he was the reason for Clifton-Carmack’s recent divorce.
Police obtained a search warrant for Clifton-Carmack’s phone and on December 22 found messages between her and the student discussing their alleged relationship.
It remains unclear if Clifton-Carmack has entered a plea to any of the charges she faces.
A second witness informed investigators that the student’s father was aware of the relationship between Clifton-Carmack and the student. The witness claimed Clifton-Carmack and the student had used other students as lookouts during their encounters at school.
The student’s father, whose identity is being protected to maintain the victim’s confidentiality, allegedly told the second witness he did not intervene because he believed the relationship would continue behind his back anyway.
The father has been charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, according to jail records. It is not clear if he has retained an attorney or entered a plea.
If you suspect child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential, and the hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of inappropriate conduct, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
The charges against Clifton-Carmack and the student’s father have brought to light serious concerns about the protection and welfare of students. Authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure justice is served and that appropriate measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
The school community and local authorities are working together to address this situation, providing support and resources to students and families affected by these allegations. The priority remains to ensure a safe and secure environment for all students.