Jack Russell Hubbard
Posted by Webmaster in Hall of Shame, High Profile Cases, Kentucky, ME-FV, ME-MV, Middle Schools, Science Teachers
(07/10/07 – Initial BBT Report)
Jack Russell Hubbard, 60, a former science teacher at Beaumont Junior High School in Fayette County, Kentucky has been arrested in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and charged with third-degree sodomy of a then 15-year-old male student and third-degree rape of a 15-year-old female student.
The alleged sexual abuse began in the late 1970’s or early 1980’s when Hubbard was a teacher at Beaumont Junior High School and the alleged victims were students there.
Also charged in the case is former arts teacher Roberta Walter, then known as Roberta Blackwell, who was arrested in Nashville, Tennessee and who is charged with third-degree sodomy and third-degree rape of a then 15-year-old female student.
The rape charges against Hubbard allege the rape of the 15-year-old female victim. The sodomy charges stem from alleged sexual abuse of Thomas “Beau” Goodman who told police he was sodomized by Hubbard 30 times between ages 14 and 15.
The female victim’s name is Carol Lynne Maner and she came forward with her accusations in August 2003 and has accused the school district of concealing evidence of a clear pattern of sexual abuse by four teachers, a guidance counselor and an assistant principal at Beaumont and Lafayette High School in the late 1970s and 1980s.
Carol Lynne Maner, now 44-years-old, has sued the Fayette County Board of Education saying that Roberta Blackwell and Hubbard traded her back and forth for sexual abuse.
The civil trial is currently on-going.
Thomas “Beau” Goodman has also sued the Fayette County Board of Education and settled out of court.
Update 8/16/07:
A court hearing was held yesterday morning for Jack Russell Hubbard during which Hubbard surrendered his passport and was authorized to pay a 10% deposit on his bail. Hubbard’s attorney in a public statement said, he is completely innocent and I think it is all about the money, evidently referring to the lawsuit of Carol Lynne Maner against the Fayette County Board of Education. Maner was awarded a $3.7 million civil judgment against the school board.
Regarding his client, attorney Bill M. Butler said, He’s never had a single complaint lodged against him,” Butler said. “In my experience in 20 years as a defense lawyer, I’ve found that cases with allegations like this generally have more than one instance. And there are generally allegations along the way.
12/16/08 – Grand Jury Indictment
On Monday a grand jury indicted Jack Hubbard on four counts of first-degree sodomy and one count of first-degree rape.
Hubbard’s lawyer has indicated that his client will fight the charges.
Hubbard is currently free on bond.
12/19/08 – Arraignment
Jack Hubbard was arraigned today in Fayette Circuit Court on four counts of first-degree sodomy and one count of first-degree rape.
Hubbard entered not guilty pleas to all counts.
The judge scheduled a pretrial conference in the case for January 29 and a status conference for January 30. The dates were set on consecutive days to cut down on Hubbard’s travel time from Texas, where he now resides.
06/17/09 – Change Of Venue Sought
An attorney for Jack Russell Hubbard submitted a change of venue motion to Fayette Circuit Judge James D. Ishmael Jr. at a status hearing today.
Hubbard’s attorney William Butler said coverage related to his client’s case could make it difficult to assemble an impartial jury in Fayette County.
A hearing on the change of venue motion is set for June 26th.
06/29/09 – Change of Venue Denied
On Friday, a Fayette Circuit judge denied the change of venue motion submitted by the attorney for Jack Russell Hubbard.
The judge said that jury selection will reveal how much potential jurors know about Hubbard’s case and the court will proceed from there.
07/13/09 – Trial Underway
The trial of Jack Russell Hubbard is underway and Carol Lynne Maner testified today to describe the evening of her first sexual encounter with her ninth grade science teacher Jack Russell Hubbard, who she referred to as “Russ”.
Maner testified that she turned to Hubbard for help when she was being molested by Roberta Blackwell, an art teacher, and he, in turn, introduced her to marijuana and heterosexual sex.
Maner testified that when Blackwell drove her to Hubbard’s home and left her on his porch that Hubbard beckoned her into his bedroom, taught her to roll and smoke a joint and how he allegedly said she needed a man to “take her virginity”.
Reportedly Blackwell is expected to testify Tuesday for the prosecution in exchange for a lessening of charges pending against her.
07/14/09 – Trial Continues
Roberta Blackwell Walter, appearing as a witness for the prosecution as part of a plea agreement that would reduce two felony charges against her, testified that she repeatedly molested Carol Lynne Maner who was 15 at the time. She also testified that Jack Russell Hubbard admitted to her that he too had a sexual relationship with Maner.
Thomas “Beau” Goodman III testified about being given marijuana then falling asleep at Hubbard’s house, only to be awakened while being sodomized by Hubbard. Goodman testified that he pretended to be asleep during the attack and that neither he nor Hubbard spoke or acknowledged the sex. Goodman testified that he remained in contact with Hubbard, even staying with him in Germany for 18 months after high school.
The prosecution concluded its case this morning and the defense will present its case this afternoon.
07/15/09 – Guilty Verdict
A Fayette County has found Jack Russell Hubbard guilty of four counts of third-degree sodomy and one count of third-degree rape for incidents in the 1970s when Hubbard taught at Beaumont Junior High School.
The jury recommend Hubbard spend six years in prison.
Hubbard will be sentenced on August 28th and faces a maximum of five years on each count.
08/28/09 – Sentencing
Fayette Circuit Judge James Ishmael Jr. today sentenced Jack Russel Hubbard to 6 1/2 years in prison, as recommended by the jury which convicted Hubbard last month.
Hubbard’s attorney sought probation on the basis that he had led an exemplary life for 30 years, having no criminal history and a clean employment record. The judge indicated he considered probation for Hubbard and rejected it.
The judge told Hubbard, “I want you to know that, Mr. Hubbard. I think you are a fortunate man in regard to the jury recommendation, extremely fortunate.” The judge went on to state that he found the
jury’s suggested sentence “pretty incredible” and “extremely generous”.
The judge also said, “I frankly wish I had discretion to increase the sentence, but state law prohibits that.”
Hubbard will be required to register as a sex offender once released from prison.
References:
Former Fayette teacher sentenced to 61?2 years in Maner sex abuse case (08/28/09)
Ex-teacher convicted in ’70s Fayette County case (07/14/09)
Former teacher found guilty (07/14/09)
Jury: Hubbard Guilty of Rape & Sodomy (07/14/09)
Woman testifies she, other teacher had sexual relationships with former student (07/14/09)
Maner testifies against former science teacher in sex-abuse case (07/13/09)
Judge denies change of venue in ex-teacher’s sex abuse trial (06/27/09)
Former Beaumont teacher requests change of venue in sex abuse case (06/17/09)
Former Beaumont teacher pleads not guilty to sex charges (12/19/08)
Former Ky. teacher indicted on sex charges (12/16/08)
Former Ky. teacher indicted on sex charges (12/16/08)
Ex-teacher claims complete innocence in sex abuse case (8/15/07)
2 ex-teachers named in lawsuit arrested (7/11/07)
Two arrested, charged in Fayette schools sex-abuse case (7/10/07)
Former teachers arrested ; sex abuse lawsuit begins (7/10/07)
Former Teachers Arrested as Sex Abuse Lawsuit Begins (7/10/07)
Former teachers arrested as sex abuse lawsuit begins (7/10/07)
Two arrested, charged in Fayette schools sex-abuse case (7/10/07)
Former Student Testifies in Sex Abuse Case against Schools (7/10/07)
View BadBadTeacher.com Coverage of Roberta Walter (Blackwell)
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I was a student of Mr. Hubbard in the 90’s. I was well connected to the teacher community in Okinawa, Japan. I have absolutely no reason to believe Mr. Hubbard ever committed these alleged crimes. I don’t believe it, whatsoever.
I knew Lynne Maner when I lived in KY and worked for a media outlet in Lexington. I heard her whole story for the first time in 2004, and I heard it again when we ran a second story in 2005. I can honestly say that her story has never changed the slightest bit to this day, and she has plenty of evidence to back up her claims.
I understand the phenomenon of false claims against teachers due to the social climate, as well as the lasting stigma that sexual allegations against teachers brings. I think it is a horrible thing to ruin someone’s life by making false claims of that nature, but I can say with 100% personal confidence that Maner’s allegations are the real deal, and that Hubbard as well as other teachers (one of whom was a principal at another Lexington school until 2004, when he abruptly resigned soon after Maner’s allegations came to light) deserve to be punished for their actions. It doesn’t matter if the offenses occurred last week or 50 years ago, if you do the crime, you deserve the time.
The following critically examines and compares the cases of R. Blackwell (female) and J. Hubbard (male). Frank language is used to reveal gender performances.
J. Hubbard’s attorney, W. M. Butler, claimed R. Blackwell’s prosecution agreement is a “sweetheart deal from the Commonwealth of Kentucky.” This comment implies Blackwell (female) garnered favor from the Prosecution, though falls short of explaining how Blackwell enjoyed such bias. The Prosecution was biased in favor of Blackwell on the basis of gender. The Prosecution chose to not send Blackwell to prison on the basis of gender. Contrastively, the Prosecution chose to send Hubbard (male) to prison on the basis of gender.
Hubbard has been convicted of a crime with which only males have been historically charged, sodomy. Such laws are created by religions and state societies, which prefer subjects reproduce sexually. Such subjects are thus prohibited from engaging in activities that result in orgasm but do not produce new subjects, such as anal sex, a means of birth control. Under such laws, males are guilty if introducing a phallus (a penis or other penetrative object) into another’s anus, even of the other person is a consenting adult. The Prosecution did not charge Blackwell (female) with sodomy, however, on the basis of gender; Blackwell admitted inserting phalluses (fingers) into a victim. Hubbard (male) was convicted of the same, though Hubbard was convicted of using a phallus Blackwell (female) does not have, a penis. Hubbard (male) was convicted of sodomy on the basis of having a penis.
Blackwell (female) admittedly engaged in other sexual activities with victims. These admitted activities are no different than those of which Hubbard (male) was convicted. Roberta Blackwell (female) was a schoolteacher who engaged in bisexual sex with students. The Prosecution wants to send Hubbard (male) to prison for the same. The Prosecution does not seek action against Blackwell (female).
As Hubbard’s attorney identifies, the Prosecution offered Blackwell (female) a stellar deal. Why, then, did the Prosecution never offer Hubbard (male) a deal for testifying against Blackwell (female)? The jury recommended Hubbard (male) serve most of the possible ten-year sentence. Would a jury have recommended over six years for Blackwell (female), or is the jury also guilty of the Prosecution’s gender bias? Given Blackwell admitted to committing the same crimes, the Prosecution sheltered Blackwell from a several-year prison term.
Upon arrival in prison, it is likely Hubbard’s (male) fellow male inmates (Kentucky prisons discriminate on the basis of gender) will learn all details of the Prosecution’s agreement. The consequences will further the gender status quo; male inmates who have been convicted of violent, hateful crimes against females, such as aggravated rape and murder, will find their hate for females strengthened as a result of the Prosecution’s deal in this case. The likelihood of such convicts’ continued offences against females is increased; they will be angry Blackwell (female) spent not one day in prison, in contrast to Hubbard (male). Does the Prosecution want these convicted murderers to seek revenge on females as soon as they are released from prison?
Bottom line: If Hubbard did not have a penis, the Prosecution would have never tried to send Hubbard to prison. This is evinced by Blackwell’s (female) sweetheart deal.
Because an equally guilty child sex offender has benefitted on the basis of gender, Governor Steve Beshear should issue an immediate pardon for J. R. Hubbard, retroactive to the date the Prosecution chose to discriminate against Hubbard (male) on the basis of gender. The Governor should also seek the Prosecution’s resignation.
This man has been treated worse than a Jack Russell terrier. Why did this “victim” wait until she was 44 before she went to the police? BECAUSE SHE WANTED TO SUE!!!
It serves no purpose going after him now. If he’s that dangerous, why didn’t this VICTIM say something sooner? I feel very sorry for him and his family and utter contempt for this so-called “victim.” She’s nothing but a gold-digger!
Where wass the NEA? What a joke. I’ve got news for all of you NEA members out there. They won’t do crap to defend you. I know from firsthand experience. The NEA will not defend you! They will only reimburse legal expenses if and when you are acquitted of the charges.
I had an aggravated assualt against a minor charge filed by one of my students…a real troublemaker. The charge stuck despite the fact that I had a teacher’s aide in the classroom with me at the time. She made a statement to the police that the accusations were false.
I was booked, finger printed, photographed and thrown in jail where I had to sit for nearly two weeks before being arraigned. Thank God a friend paid my bail ($2500) or I would have had to spend nearly nine months in jail awaiting trial, even though I was innocent.
I was acquitted nine months later after a trial that ended up costing me nearly $10K in legal expenses. I also had hell to pay getting my job back…no NEA help there either.
Even if you’re acquitted of a crime against a minor you’re screwed. Websites like this piece of crap have you convicted well before you ever have your day in court.
The NEA was useless. At least they finally reimbursed me for my legal expenses, but that took nearly 6 months and a ton of paperwork. THE NEA IS WORTHLESS!
In keeping with site policies as outlined in the “Comments” page the last name of the person purported to have left this comment has been altered to an initial only by the site moderator.
I’m shocked!! I knew Jack Russell Hubbard (everyone called him “Jack Russell” NOT “Russ”) when we were 12 years old.
Have not seen him since then and wondered what happened to him. I do not believe one single word of the charges against
him and I have seen many teachers accused over the years as vendettas by students… and the students always win.
Where is the NEA and the AFT when these things happen?? This is the very thing that causes
young people to stay out of the teaching field and the very reason our schools are in such
dire straits; people are afraid to be teachers.
liz parker
Michelle B., I was in the courtroom during this entire trial and heard every witness. Believe me, this was an INCREDIBLY lopsided case. The witnesses were credible and consistent, and the defense had no real arguments other than the fact that none of the victims ever told anyone about the abuse/rape. It was more or less a slam dunk for the prosecution.
I think that some people are jumping to conclusions about this case without being informed. Mr. Hubbard was convicted on 3rd degree charges, not first degree, which for anyone who knows anything about law is a big difference. The case against him had a lot of holes and unfortunately, our society is too easily persuaded by accusations of rape. Yes, rape is a real occurrence but in this case Ms. Maner did not even contemplate filing a complaint or even make the claim that she was raped until she rekindled her relationship with her mother who was bitter about Mr. Hubbard calling child services on her 30 years ago. There is no direct evidence that proves he is a rapist and unfortunately most people jump to the conclusion that he is based upon hearsay. And it is an injustice that the other teacher was given a plea bargain to testify against Mr. Hubbard in this case….why was he not given the plea bargain to testify against her?! Because our society is extremely fast to prosecute and convict men without needing great evidence. This case should have never gone to trial and this just goes to show that it does not do any good to try to help teenagers in need because it will come back to bite you in the end.
On another note….the civil suit was against the school district and not against Mr. Hubbard which is why it could not be brought into evidence in the criminal trial.
In keeping with site policies as outlined in the “Comments” page the last name of the person purported to have left this comment has been altered to an initial only by the site moderator.
Hubbard along with all you uninformed supporters may eat some crow for lunch
as Mr Hubbard has been convicted on all 5 counts set down from the grand jury.
Must have been more than just a little smoke (pun intended)
I feel sorry for the jury on this case… Was the civil case heard with or without a jury? Couldn’t the DA use the fact that he lost the civil cast against him in court.
jeez. I just re-read my comment.
I worded that poorly. I meant I wasn’t cut out for teaching. The ‘complaints’ against me had nothing to do with any impropriety, although I admit to my most embarassing moment in life: getting stuck in the girl’s bathroom during class one day in a new building.
Yeah, I got written up for that, and deservedly so…what a maroon. I’ve spent the 20+ years since making SURE I check for urinals and the correct signs on the door!! (this new building had no signs on the restrooms yet!).
Anyways….
Yeah, this one smells.
Hell, I taught HS for 2 years and had 3 complaints against me placed in my file, ‘just in case’ I turned out to be a Bad-Bad Teacher (turns out I didn’t molest anyone, but was pretty much not the best teacher).
This guy in 25+ years has NO complaints on his file? While he was supposedly trading a student with another teacher for sex? No, this one smells badly.
I’m a social justice advocate, and I enjoy this site for everything it does. Besides noting the guilty, this site is also pretty quick to stamp ‘INNOCENT’ across an accused teacher’s face.
I’m curious to hear from the webfolk at Bad-Bad Teacher. You have read literally thousands of court documents, news stories, etc. How does this one sound to you?
Webmaster’s commentary: Being an “old fart” and having lived through the 60’s and 70’s it is not difficult to comprehend that teachers could have been passing students around for sex at that time. There was a LOT of “weirdness” going on at that time and there were few if any laws prohibiting sex between teachers and students that were of the age of consent, although there were of course laws against sex with minors younger than the age of consent.
Also, society at the time was in a full-fledged “sexual revolution” having just come out of the “drugs, sex and rock and roll” days of the Vietnam War era and into the “zipless sex” days of the 70’s. It was a weird time, one in which for many personal gratification outweighed all else.
As to this particular case, while I believe it is entirely possible that this man could have committed the crimes of which he is accused and thereafter lived an exemplary life. His guilt or innocence can only be determined in a court of law and with a fair trial.