Caverna substitute teacher arrested after grooming allegations
The substitute teacher was not identified, and the school where the alleged conduct occurred was not disclosed.
CAVE CITY, Ky. — A 60-year-old man was arrested Wednesday after Caverna Independent Schools reported an allegation involving inappropriate grooming conduct toward a student.
Maurice Bennett, 60, was arrested in Cave City and is charged with a sex offense, according to the Barren County Detention Center.
Cave City Police Chief Paul Reynolds said the arrest stemmed from a grooming allegation that was forwarded to police by Caverna Independent Schools.
Kentucky law defines “grooming behavior” as a course of conduct directed at a minor that is intended to establish an emotional connection through manipulation, trust-building or influence to facilitate future sexual conduct or to normalize or desensitize the minor to sexual conduct.
The offense was established under House Bill 4, signed into law in April.
Caverna Independent Schools announced Wednesday that it was investigating an allegation that a substitute teacher engaged in inappropriate grooming conduct toward a student.
Superintendent Amanda Abell said the district notified the Cave City Police Department and made a report to Child Protective Services after receiving the complaint.
The individual was immediately removed from the district’s substitute teacher list and will not be permitted to serve in Caverna schools while the matter is investigated, Abell said.
“We want to assure our families that Caverna Independent Schools takes every concern regarding student safety extremely seriously and responds promptly and appropriately whenever such concerns are brought to our attention,” Abell said.
The district said it will cooperate with law enforcement and child protection authorities during the investigation.
Because the matter involves student safety and remains active, the district said it cannot provide additional details at this time to protect the privacy of those involved and respect the investigative process.
“We will continue to take all necessary precautions and actions to maintain safe and supportive learning environments for every student,” Abell said.
The district did not identify the school where the alleged conduct occurred.
Bennett remained in jail Wednesday without bond.
