Authorities in Alabama have charged two Pickens Academy coaches who are married with engaging in sex acts with two students.
Charli Jones Parker, 30, was arrested Monday and charged with 11 counts of engaging in a sex act with a student under the age of 19. The alleged victim in that case was a male student, authorities said.
On Wednesday, Charli Parker’s husband, James Parker, 32, was arrested and charged with the same crime. The alleged victim in that case was a “former female student,” according to a media release from Chris McCool, the district attorney handling both cases.
The alleged incidents in both cases, authorities say, did not occur at Pickens Academy.
The crime both of the Parkers are facing carries a maximum possible penalty of 20 years behind bars.
James Parker coaches boys’ basketball and teaches math at the Christian academy in Carrollton, Alabama. Charli Parker coaches girls’ basketball and teaches elementary computer at the school.
James Parker was booked into the Pickens County jail about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to jail records. He was still in custody at press time today.
Charli Parker was arrested Monday. She has since been released after posting a $110,000 bond, according to jail records.
Charli Parker is accused of engaging in sex acts with a male student at her Carrollton home, near Graham Cemetery in Reform, Alabama, and near Fifth Avenue North in Reform, according to warrants obtained by The Dispatch. The crimes began in October 2014, according to McCool.
The warrants related to James Parker’s arrest were not available this morning, according to circuit court officials.
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Department has declined to release arrest affidavits from both cases, citing an ongoing investigation.
Pickens Academy serves elementary and high school students.
Brach White, the school’s headmaster, told The Dispatch in emailed statements that the Parkers have been suspended from their positions.
“Further action may be taken upon investigation,” White said.
The headmaster also asked for prayers for the school family and all families involved.
According to a Dispatch wedding announcement, James and Charli Parker married in 2010.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 33 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.