Teacher Out Of Jail After Female Student Accuses Him Of An Inappropriate Proposition
Teacher Out Of Jail After Female Student Accuses Him Of An Inappropriate Proposition Save Email Print
Posted: 6:38 PM Apr 10, 2008
Last Updated: 8:11 PM Apr 10, 2008
Reporter: Marie Luby
Email Address: marie.luby@wymtnews.com

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A Pike County teacher is out of jail on bond after a female student accuses him of an inappropriate proposition.

It's an uncomfortable situation for the Pike County Schools superintendent. 32 year old Lincoln Bentley, a veteran English teacher and assistant football coach at East Ridge High School, was arrested Wednesday. A freshman female student accuses him of asking her to show him her breasts in exchange for a better grade.

"It's disturbing, it's not anything that we welcome, but you know it's things that certainly we're going to deal with and we want our public to feel that we do address issues," said Roger Wagner, Pike County School Superintendent.

Bentley pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor charges of official misconduct. He is suspended with pay and ordered not to have any contact with students.

"My office takes this case seriously. The board of education takes this case seriously, Kentucky State Police, everyone involved. This is important, it's a child. No one wants to see a child in that situation," said Roger Varney, Pike County Assistant Attorney.

But some say it's a case of her word against his.

"The evidence is mostly in the form of written statements, spoken statements, there's no forensics, as far as I understand, no eyewitnesses," said Robert Wright, Bentley's Attorney.

Bentley's attorney says that's all the more reason for the public to reserve judgment.

"If anybody out there has ever had allegations brought against them, if they were in Mr. Bentley's shoes, they would want to be thought of as innocent until proven guilty and I think everyone should give him the same courtesy," Wright said.

If convicted, Bentley faces up to a year in jail and a $500 dollar fine. He'll be back in court June 16th.

Bentley is set to take over as head football coach at Jenkins High School this summer. Jenkins Independent Superintendent John Shook tells us he agrees Bentley is innocent until proven guilty, and so far, he still plans on Bentley filling the coaching position.

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Posted by: Coyote Location: Pike County on Apr 16, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Let me guess, The girl failed an important test. Teacher refuses to change the grade and girl says teacher makes sexual comment to her. We have heard this story before, many many many times. Let me guess, Noone is asking about the grade she got now.....

Posted by: anonymous Location: Irvine, Kentucky on Apr 11, 2008 at 04:47 PM
I can't believe the lengths that the media goes to just to get viewers...This man is innocent until PROVEN guilty, yet all of this negative media may possibly impact his career for years. Mr. Bentlely taught and coached in my hometown for several years. He was and exceptional teacher and coach and we hated to see him leave. His reputation and history as and educator should prevail over these allegations. Young girls today often use sexuality to get what they want, especially if they can't or unable to get it any other way. Couldn't it be very possible this is a revenge tactic because she was either failing the class or wanting his attention? Are we as a society going to let a student that is possibly having trouble in school ruin a man's career? A career he has spent a decade earning. The media is as usual showing its ugly side, come to think of it, I don't think it has another side to show. Everyone is at the mercy of the media and the way they decide to portray us.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Lexington on Apr 11, 2008 at 04:19 PM
For all you people out there who say you do not know what this world is coming to. Well I know what it is coming to - a society that is so quick to judge, a society that loves to see the downfall of innocent people. Everyone is so quick to judge but what would happen if this was their friend or family member, who's name is now going to be drug thru the mud all for the sake of a good news story. People need not judge because you never know when someone could allege something against you. Because if you work in any kind of service position someone could do this to you. From what I know this man is a great teacher and loves football and coaching so much. Now this one allegation could send all that down the drain.This teacher and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Posted by: Concerned Location: Pikeville on Apr 11, 2008 at 12:00 PM
I agree with Billy, Anyone can allege anything against someone and society instantly convicts them. From my understanding this teacher has an outstanding reputation for his past ten years. It only takes one "allegation" and now his career is ruined, guilty or innocent. May God be with him and his family.

Posted by: barry Location: floyd county on Apr 11, 2008 at 11:33 AM
People are so quick to judge. Without some kind of proof its her word against his.anyone could make up this kind of stuff.the law says innocent until PROVEN guilty. people need to grow up and quit being so quick to pass judgement. the bible says "thou condemnest thyself,for thou that judgest doest the same things." Take heed.

Posted by: teacher Location: bell ky on Apr 11, 2008 at 09:50 AM
that is just plain sick that a teacher would do something like that to a little girl ..i just dont know what this world is comming to..

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 11, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Throw him in jail !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Citizen Location: Paintsville on Apr 11, 2008 at 08:59 AM
I believe the teacher is innocent. Young girls like to use sexual gestures to get their way. It's all this sexual harrasement stuff that everyone uses these days. This young girl probally had a crush on this guy since he was only 32. I say he is innocent until proven guilty. There is no sense in ruining this young man's reputation or career over such a silly behavior, that may not even took place.

Posted by: Henryk Location: Lake Placid on Apr 11, 2008 at 08:22 AM
It is painful to have to deal with issues such as this and for all we know the man is innocent.But,just think, regardless whether his is innocent or guilty he is ruined for life in the school system,that is a scary thought.It might happen to any of us.So,let the chips fall where they may!

Posted by: Andy on Apr 11, 2008 at 07:40 AM
It takes a fool to be teacher in Kentucky!!!!Our childern are taught to use the courts,if they don't get what they want.Theres goes another good teacher,down the drain.

Posted by: Billy Location: Elkhorn City on Apr 10, 2008 at 10:18 PM
What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty? The media has ruined a fine man without consideration for anything other than seling ads. If he IS proven guilty, that is newsworthy, but this is not something that needs to be discussed outside the school community.

Posted by: Bill D. Location: Pike on Apr 10, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Lets get real on this one. Do a background check on the girl and her parents. This could be leading to some settlement. The economy is bad.

Posted by: treapy Location: Pike on Apr 10, 2008 at 07:32 PM
I'm wondering why it has taken so long for this to come out?! I was told of this incident back in March by my child who attends the same school! It should have been taken care of then!!

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