MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - A middle school teacher at a Memphis school has been accused of sexually abusing an eighth-grade student for the past two years.
42-year-old Aaron Thompson, a teacher at The Excellence Academy in the Raleigh area, was arrested April 3 and charged with Sexual Battery and Statutory Rape by an Authority Figure.
According to the affidavit, a 14-year-old female student at the school told investigators Thompson began touching her inappropriately over two years ago when he was her teacher. The incidents eventually escalated to sex, mostly during her eighth grade year.
The girl also stated Thompson had sent her inappropriate text messages.
Thompson is being held on $50,000 bond at the Shelby County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 19.
An administrator at The Excellence Academy directed ABC 24 News to their attorney for comment; he released the following statement on the school's behalf:
The Excellence Academy is deeply concerned about the arrest of former contractor Aaron Thompson. We have taken all steps to protect the well-being of the students at The Excellence Academy and immediately terminated the contract with Mr. Thompson on learning of the allegations. Out of concern for privacy and due to the ongoing investigation, The Excellence Academy cannot elaborate further on any specifics.
However, the Excellence Academy is a private school focused on the future and our mission is to prepare urban children for the 21st century. Preparing our children to accept their roles as leaders of tomorrow by providing a nurturing, culturally solid, community based rigorous education, pre K-8th grade.
The Excellence Academy leases space from Greater Imani Christian Church however the school is not affiliated or associated with Greater Imani Christian Church in any manner.
