Teacher Charged With Misconduct

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Posted: 6:18 PM Apr 10, 2008
Last Updated: 7:24 PM Apr 10, 2008
Reporter: Cynthia Ibarra
Email Address: Cynthia.Ibarra@WKYT.com

13 comments

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Lincoln Shane Bentley was arrested yesterday, after Kentucky State Police opened an investigation stemming from a disturbing accusation made by one of his students.

A student claims Bentley told her that he would give her a higher grade if she showed him her breasts.

The student told police it happened last month at East Ridge High School, in Pike County.

Superintendent Roger Wagner said Bentley was suspended with pay until the case is settled.

Bentley's attorney, Robert Wright, asked the public to hold off on passing judgment because his client was innocent until proven guilty.

Bentley pled not guilty to two counts of official misconduct. He has been ordered not to be on East Ridge school grounds or have contact with any students.

If convicted, Bentley could receive up to a year in jail and a $500 fine.

Bentley is an English teacher and an assistant football coach at the school.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: KYGAL Location: Jenkins, KY on Jun 27, 2008 at 06:11 PM
I can't believe that Jenkins Independent Schools would even consider someone to teach our children. People do make mistakes unfortunately, when you make a mistake you have to go up to the bat and take your punishment. If the people and student's family at Jenkins Independent Schools hires him then I feel sorry that the people would prefer a coach over a teacher. I heard that some teachers may lose their job in order to fill him into the new position. Very sad. I hope everyone can live with the decision.

Posted by: Lori Location: whitesburg on Jun 26, 2008 at 09:03 PM
It's a sad, sad situation indeed whichever way the verdict goes. Still, I believe are students are relatively safe in our schools. I think the API reported that 100 incidents occur approximately in ky schools. Then, of course, some of these are false allegations and some are true. I would think 100 incidents divided by the number of students is still a small number compared to the number of children that are abused at hom. Of course it is not right...but still life is not lived in a bubble; things will happen and i do not believe the situation is "out of control"

Posted by: Sami Location: Haymond on Apr 14, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Of course these things need to be investigated. I am a teacher and I know life is complicated at school. I know Mr. Bentley and I do not believe this happened, but I will wait for the courts to decide. Also, his contract at Jenkins has been suspended until a verdict has been reached. I also know a bit of background to this situation--I think the girl said something she had no idea would cause this much ruckus. Next time, ladies, do your work and turn it in and study for you exams and you will not find yourself in this situation. Again, I am a school teacher--students words cannot always be taken at face value--and neither can some teachers...It's okay to say sexual abuse is wrong..but entirely wrong to convict someone....I can take a warrent out on anybody and have them arrested.

Posted by: J Location: KY on Apr 14, 2008 at 07:23 AM
For once, I have to agree with WOW. The names of the accused should not be released until guilt or innocence is proven. The damage to an innocent teacher's reputation is beyond repair.

Posted by: someone watching this story Location: Pike County on Apr 13, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Just wondering, what happened to all the other comments that were on this site? Some of the comments that made it on here on Thursday and Friday are now gone. I have a child that goes to this school and I would like to see what all the other parents and the community has to say. I do have one more comment, I agree 100% to the innocent until proven guilty. And why did it take so long for this to be addressed if it happened a month ago? I was told about this by my child a good week before he was arrested and then it was all over the news.

Posted by: Fed Up Location: pike on Apr 13, 2008 at 12:01 PM
I am suprised this even made the news! Alot happens that parents don't even know about.You have teachers calling kids names like "looser" and who knows what else and it is swept under the rug.God only knows what goes on in schools today!

Posted by: Wow Location: Richmond on Apr 12, 2008 at 12:15 PM
All it took was one girl saying some thing happened an entire month before she reported it and his future is crushed permanatly. We should revise the laws on protecting minors that are at an age that they may be tried as an adult. Or at the least revise the way the name of the accused is released. After all innocent until guilty is the biggest hypocrasy of this nation.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 12, 2008 at 10:18 AM
For a higher grade? What if she's a dumb little girl and it's only going to get her a C- ?

Posted by: Kent Location: Springfield on Apr 12, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Greed. it is rampant in every aspect of our society. Seems as though everyone is ready to pull the lawsuit trigger for some quick cash while destroying someones reputation. Remember there will be eternal consequences for such greed and selfish acts. Our prayers are for your souls.

Posted by: bob Location: ert on Apr 11, 2008 at 07:18 PM
dont blame the victim, Innocent until proven guilty. Both need a timeout

Posted by: Concerned Parent Location: Neon on Apr 11, 2008 at 04:21 PM
I think it is outrageous that this man is suspended from the school that the incident supposedly happened at. But he is still allowed at Jenkins Middle High School. I dont think he should be allowed around any children until after he goes back to court.

Posted by: Dustin Ramsey Location: I GO TO THAT SCHOOL on Apr 11, 2008 at 04:09 PM
He Did not do that I know him and he is Innocent

Posted by: Ammoymous on Apr 11, 2008 at 04:07 PM
I believe every word he harrissed other girls at a school he used to teach at. It is time people put a stop to this. If you do the crime you do the time. Get these people out of our schools so our Girls are safe

Posted by: Joe Location: Stanton on Apr 11, 2008 at 01:02 PM
We need to hear the whole story before we judge this guy. I am NOT saying the girl is lying.. I'm just saying children lie on teachers all the time if they don't get their way. People just don't turn into perverts over night.If he did this to her he has done it to others. Thats why we should hear the whole story before we judge him.

Posted by: Amos Location: LexVegas on Apr 11, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Well, did she do it?

Posted by: Matt Location: Richmond on Apr 11, 2008 at 11:09 AM
I have to agree with Martin. I personally, teach in an alternative setting and I must say that students can say some unbelievable things about a teacher if that student decides he or she does not like the teacher!! I do not think that there should be a rush to judgement on this teacher. It seems that he has be in this profession for quite a number of years. Does he have any prior issues that can be observed? If not then I have to support a fellow teacher. Now parents may have a different view on this (I am a parent to by the way) but that is only because they think there children are innocent angels. Trust me as a parent and a teacher they are not!! However, I love what I do and I am not saying that this sort of thing does not happen because of course it does and that gives the teachers that care and want to see their students accomplish goals a bad name.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: home on Apr 11, 2008 at 11:06 AM
I think that the student, is making false accusations. It seems like The Coach/Teacher has to much going for him to risk it by doing something like that.

Posted by: mad in mtstering Location: mtsterling on Apr 11, 2008 at 10:46 AM
ok, 500.00 fine and up to a year in jail but he can still teach at another schooll!!! what has the wourld come to he is sick, next he will be in the motel 8 and somkeing pot and drinking playing pocker when does it stop???

Posted by: charles Location: martin on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:33 PM
I'm not defending this guy. But are kidding? A new hysteria has taken the nation...espescially in the hick states. Even mention the word "sex" and your under investigation. Not a free country The nazi cops storm out and arrest this guy based upon a single witness's circumstantial story? That's how the bubba cops justify their existence. Who in their right mind would be a teacher of coach these days-to mucn knee jerk hysteria.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 10, 2008 at 09:59 PM
another teacher hmmmm

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