(11/15/09 – Initial BadBadTeacher.com Report)

Michael Horton, 33, a physical education assistant at Providence School, a K-8 school in Huntsville, Alabama has reportedly been arrested on allegations of the sexual abuse of a child younger than 13.

Horton is reportedly facing a charge of first degree sodomy against a child younger than 13.

Horton has reportedly been under investigation since April and the alleged incident occurred sometime between July and December of 2008.

Following his arrest, Michael Horton was released on $10,000 bond.

A spokesperson for Huntsville City School has indicated that Horton was placed on administrative leave with pay by the school system in August.

The alleged victim currently lives in Dallas and reportedly the alleged incident to police there however the child lived in Huntsville at the time of the alleged incident.

Horton has a court date set for December 2nd.

(11/11/09 – Initial BadBadTeacher.com Report)

Francisco J. Planas-Borgstrom, 32, a music teacher and band director at Bordentown Regional High School in Bordentown Township, New Jersey has reportedly been arrested on allegations that he engaged in a sexual relationship with a student during the last school year.

Reportedly, Planas-Borgstrom is charged with second-degree sexual assault with the offenses allegedly occurring between September 2008 and April 2009.

Following his arrest on Tuesday, Planas-Borgstrom was held in the Burlington County Jail on $75,000 cash bail.

Prosecutor Robert Bernardi has indicated that Planas-Borgstrom, who has been teaching at the school for 10 years and has been the band director for seven years, has been suspended by the school system pending the outcome of the charges.

Planas-Borgstrom faces up to 10 years in state prison if he is convicted.

(10/19/09 – Initial BadBadTeacher.com Report)

Ralph David Surridge, 57, a teacher at Mineral Springs Middle School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina has reportedly been arrested on allegations of the sexual abuse of a student and possession of firearms by a felon.

Reportedly, Surridge has been charged with one count of sexual offense with a student, five counts of indecent liberties with a child, three counts of taking indecent liberties with a student and one count of statutory sexual offense against a person who is 13, 14, or 15 years old. All counts are felony offenses and all sexually related charges allege the same victim.

In addition, Surridge who was convicted of embezzlement in 1985 has also been charged with five felony counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Following his arrest, Surridge was being held in the Forsyth County jail on bonds totaling $2 million.

Surridge has worked for the school system for seven years, all of those years at Mineral Springs and school officials will reportedly hold a press conference today to discuss the issues.

A school system spokesperson had indicated that while Surridge’s felony conviction for embezzlement would preclude him from working in a position involving money it does not preclude him from working as a teacher.

Surridge has a preliminary hearing set for November 6th.

10/26/09 – Case Update

The arrest warrants for Ralph Surridge have been released and reveal that the alleged victim is 13-years-old.

They also reveal that the weapons recovered from Surridge, a convicted felon, include a Colt .22 Caliber Handgun and a Marlin .22 Caliber Rifle.

According to www.digtriad.com:

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school system announced last week that it would conduct additional check on employees to make sure others don’t fall through the cracks.

11/03/09 – School Superintendent Suspends Surridge Without Pay

Reportedly, Don Martin, the Superintendent of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, has changed Ralph Surridge’s status to suspended without pay and is recommending that Surridge be fired.

A statement released by Martin said, “I am recommending Surridge’s dismissal for two reasons. First, our investigation supports his dismissal. That kind of behavior is absolutely unacceptable in our school system.”

Martin’s statement, went on to say, “Second, based on a review of Surridge’s criminal history and our examination of his application and license renewal information provided to the Department of Public Instruction, I believe he knowingly misrepresented his criminal background.”

Martin indicated that he understands that the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has begun the process of revoking Surridge’s teaching license.