Former Bryant High School teacher arrested, accused of having sexual relationship with student

Posted: Jan 9, 2015 / 08:46 PM CST

Updated: Jan 9, 2015 / 08:46 PM CST

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) – A former Bryant High School teacher was arrested for having a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old student, according to Tuscaloosa police.

Tuscaloosa police spokesman Sgt. Brent Blankley says 23-year-old Jessica Bonnett Acker was arrested Friday and charged with one count of school employee engaging in a sex act or deviant sexual intercourse with a student under the age of 19.

Authorities obtained an arrest warrant for Acker Friday, and she turned herself in to the Tuscaloosa Police Department around 2 p.m.

Blankley says the Tuscaloosa City School System learned of the incident on Jan. 6 and notified authorities. Acker and the male victim were then interviewed about the ongoing sexual relationship.

Acker resigned from her position at Bryant High School on Jan. 7.

“The Tuscaloosa City School System learned of these allegations Tuesday, January 6, at which time an investigation was immediately conducted by both the Tuscaloosa Police Department and Tuscaloosa City School officials,” the school system said in a statement. “The following day, January 7, the Board of Education accepted the resignation of the teacher involved. “

Acker was placed in the Tuscaloosa County Jail on $5,000 bond.