A former middle school teacher in Perry County has been accused of sexually abusing a student.
Monty C. Salyer II, 42, of Hazard, a former teacher at Hazard Middle School, was indicted on first-degree sexual abuse (victim under the age of 18) and tampering with physical evidence.
The indictment, according to WYMT.com, states that Salyer “acted alone or in concert with others to commit the offense of first-degree sexual abuse by subjecting a minor younger than 18 to sexual contact with the defendant being a person in a position of authority or position of special trust.”
The incident[s] occurred between August 2 and August 19 of this year, and, according to a statement released by the school district’s superintendent (see below), was brought to the attention of authorities by a “fellow student.”
He is also accused of deleting social media apps SnapChat and TikTok that contained information that could be used against him, according to the Hazard Herald.
Salyer has resigned his position.
He was lodged in the Kentucky River Regional Jail on a $15,000 cash bond.
Sondra Combs, Hazard Independent Schools superintendent, released the following statement:
Hazard Independent Schools has learned of the indictment of a former employee. We are grateful for the swift action of law enforcement and the courage of a fellow student in bringing the issue to light. Since the initial allegations were made, the individual has been on leave, banned from contact with students, and is no longer employed by the district. Our kids come first, and we will continue to do everything in our power to protect them from harm.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
