LOUISVILLE, Ky. April 19 2013-- A former Hardin County teacher has been arrested and charged with sexual abuse, according to online records.Anthony Durrant, age 46, is now housed in the Hardin County Detention Center after authorities say he had inappropriate communication with a 13-year-old.
School officials learned of the accusations against the James T. Alton Middle School teacher on April 15, according to a news release.
Durrant's employment was terminated, effective immediately. A spokesperson for the school district said he was escorted off school property by a representative of the Radcliff Police Department.
Parents have been notified about the development.
Hardin County Schools investigated the allegation and is cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies.
"As a school district, we're very sad and very disgusted," said John Wright with Hardin County Schools.
It was Monday when Hardin County Schools received a tip that there may have been inappropriate communications going on between a teacher at James T. Alton Middle School and a student.
With the help of police, an investigation started immediately and about 24 hours later, that teacher was escorted by law enforcement from the school and given a letter of termination.
"We came to the realization that we needed to separate this particular teacher from students and his teaching position," said Wright.
When it comes to specifics, officials are being tight-lipped due to the investigation.
The school notified parents of the situation by a one call system, where they receive a phone message from the school.
Barbara Frederick's son goes to J.T. Alton. She says she was surprised by the situation but was pleased with the way the school dealt with it.
"Every parent feels differently but I'm comfortable with my child going to school there. He's very honest and has never lied to me and I think he would come to me if he had any issues," Barbara told WDRB News.
Barbara says she teaches her kids right from wrong and the only way to learn is by being vocal.
"There's no lying. You are forward with everything good or bad, it doesn't matter," said Barbara.
The Hardin County School District feels the same way.
"If a faculty member, a staff member or a student is having inappropriate communications or inappropriate contact with students or teachers, we want to know about that. We keep student safety first. We're never going to put any child in any dangerous situation that may compromise either their safety or their integrity," said Wright.
Source- WDRB