Authorities in Calhoun County have arrested a former substitute teacher who is now facing sexual abuse charges following allegations made by two children.
According to Falon Hurst, sheriff of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Jeffrey Owen worked as a substitute teacher through a staffing agency and was not directly employed by the local school board.
Investigators said one child recently came forward alleging they were abused by Owen during the 2021–2022 school year. The child’s sibling later reported experiencing similar abuse.
The children’s parents initially filed a report with the Weaver Police Department, which determined the alleged incidents took place at Weaver Elementary School.
Because the sheriff’s office assigns a school resource officer to the campus, the case was later transferred to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.
Authorities say Owen has since been arrested and charged with two counts of sexual abuse. Officials also noted it remains unclear at this time which other schools Owen may have worked at and when his employment as a substitute teacher ended.
Meanwhile, Tony Willis, superintendent of Calhoun County Schools, told WBRC that Owen worked as a substitute teacher for the district years ago but has not been on its campuses in recent years.
Sheriff Hurst urged anyone who suspects abuse to report it to the appropriate law enforcement agency. He also emphasized the importance of parents and guardians taking children’s concerns seriously.
“Please listen carefully to your children and never dismiss allegations of abuse,” Hurst said.
