TCHS Teacher Accused Of Having Relationship With Student

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A teacher at Tuscaloosa County High School has been charged with being a school employee having sexual contact with a student under the age of 19.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Captain Jack Kennedy, commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, told local media on Monday that the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office and VCU investigators received a report on Monday of a sexual relationship between a current teacher and TCHS student.

The man charged is 25-year-old Lorenza Freeman Jr.

Kennedy said the victim is a minor and no additional identifying information will be released.

He then said Freeman was booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail, where his bond was set at $30,000.

The Tuscaloosa County School System said Freeman has been placed on administrative leave and will no longer be on the TCHS campus.

"The Tuscaloosa County School System has high expectations for all faculty and staff," TCSS Superintendent Keri Johnson said. "We expect our employees to conduct themselves professionally and with honor. Please know that TCSS takes all reports of wrongdoing — whether by staff or students — seriously. TCSS cooperates with law enforcement and works to ensure all matters are appropriately resolved. The safety and well-being of students is our number one priority, at all times. "

Johnson also said that privacy laws govern information a school district can share regarding students or matters involving employee investigations.

"Just because we do not discuss details of a situation publicly does not mean it is not thoroughly investigated or taken seriously," she said. "We realize situations like this are very upsetting to our entire community. Students, please know that school counselors are here to support you, if you need someone to talk with."

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.