Police bodycam footage showed the moment a substitute teacher feigned surprise, as she was accused of raping an 11-year-old boy. Alley Bardfield, 34, tried to appear shocked as she said “me?” after a police officer told her she was going to be arrested.
Ms Bardfield, who is married, later admitted to enticing her victim home for “play dates” in her bed. She subsequently confessed to having sexual intercourse with the child on the bed she usually shared with her husband at their residence. The newly released bodycam footage revealed the US teacher’s shocking 12-word confession after the arresting officer questioned her motives towards the youngster.
It was also heard in court that Bardfield had sent over £500 to the teenager over several months and swapped explicit photos with the boy on Snapchat.
When asked by the arresting officer why she sent nude pictures to the boy, she responded: “He kept asking and asking and asking and wouldn’t leave me alone.”
In a shocking twist, Bardfield told a police officer that the young boy made advances towards her and blamed him for the revolting incident. This revelation came about when the boy’s parents grew suspicious after observing their son’s unusual behaviour at home, reports the Daily Star.
The parents discovered that their 11-year-old had been visiting Bardfield’s house in Mount Zion, Illinois, after going through his mobile phone. These visits were referred to as “play dates” by Bardfield, one of which disturbingly led to a sexual encounter.
Upon confronting their son about the messages they found, he admitted to what had transpired, leading them to notify the police. They also stumbled upon photographs of their son and the teacher together at her residence.
The heartbroken mum rushed her son to the hospital, where a rape kit was administered following his shocking revelation in April 2024. The family and authorities then devised a scheme to ensnare Bardfield through damning text messages and recorded calls with the student.
The lad sent her a message stating he was leaving town but hoped to see her again upon his return. He penned: “I love you and I miss you, Alley. When I come back I’ll see if I can come over.”
The teacher allegedly replied: “You’re always welcome. I love and miss you too.”
Police obtained a court order for a wiretap, during which the boy phoned Bardfield and she told him “her tubes are tied and that she cannot get pregnant”. The affidavit further detailed: “The victim asked Alley if he came over this weekend… if they could ‘do it again’. Alley responded: ‘Yes’.”
Bardfield confessed to predatory criminal assault against a minor and was swiftly sacked from her role as a supply teacher. She is set to be sentenced on September 25.
The school released a statement saying: “While none of the alleged conduct occurred at a school, student safety is always our top priority. We are working with Mount Zion Police and providing support to students and staff.”