Selma school staffer charged with contributing to delinquency of a minor
Published 11:25 am Saturday, April 17, 2010
A staff person in the library at CHAT Academy has been arrested on a charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Susan Schoen Martin, 35, of Selma was arrested by Selma Police officers Friday afternoon after evidence gathered by Det. Beauty Benjamin showed the suspect involved in a sexual act involving a 16-year-old male, said Sgt. Doug Stewart, administrative division commander for the Selma Police Department.
Martin was taken into custody at the school and released later on $500 bond.
Dr. Austin Obasohan, superintendent of Selma City Schools, said he was notified of the arrest shortly after it occurred.
Martin will be suspended with pay, pending an investigation, Obasohan said.
“This is something we will not tolerate. We are going to move swiftly on this,” he said. “We have to protect the children, but also protect the staff member, who is innocent until proven guilty.”
Once the courts make a decision, the school board will make a final decision on Martin’s disposition.
Martin was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor because under Alabama state law the age of consent is 16.
“Further investigation into this matter may result in other charges being brought against the offender,” Stewart said.
The victim is not identified, as the police department does not reveal the identity of any victims of crime as a matter of procedure.