Former Illinois substitute teacher pleads guilty to predatory sexual assault of 11-year-old student; arrest video shows shocked reaction

A former substitute teacher in Illinois pleaded guilty to predatory criminal sexual assault and grooming of an 11-year-old student, ending a case that prosecutors described as a disturbing pattern of abuse after she lured the boy to her Mount Zion home for 'play dates' and sexually assaulted him. Alley Bardfield, 34, had been charged with predatory criminal sexual assault and grooming and pleaded guilty as part of a plea deal that caps the recommended sentence at 40 years in prison.

The investigation began in March and April 2024 after the boy's mother noticed changes in her son following an overnight stay at Bardfield's Mount Zion residence from March 29 to March 30. She reviewed the boy's phone and found messages and other evidence of an inappropriate relationship, including allegations that the two exchanged nude images on Snapchat and that Bardfield paid the boy more than $700 over several months. The family reported the abuse to police, and prosecutors later described a disturbing pattern of manipulation and coercion.

Police confronted Bardfield on April 3, 2024, with body camera video showing her acting shocked when officers informed her she was under arrest for predatory criminal sexual assault and grooming a child. In the footage, she asked, "Me?" and placed a hand on her chest in what officers described as performative surprise. After confirming her identity, an officer told her she was being arrested for the offenses and that there was a significant amount of evidence against her. Bardfield repeatedly denied any wrongdoing during the encounter.

In the days that followed, investigators listened in on phone calls between Bardfield and the boy. Court documents indicate she discussed birth control and pregnancy and urged the boy to delete messages between them. The affidavit states she told the sixth grader that she could not get pregnant and pressed him to delete texts; the boy reportedly asked to see her again, and Bardfield said they would try to meet on another weekend.

Decatur Public Schools fired Bardfield shortly after the allegations surfaced, and she ultimately pleaded guilty 16 months later as part of a plea deal. Predatory criminal sexual assault carries a maximum sentence of up to 60 years in prison, but prosecutors agreed to cap the recommended sentence at 40 years. Bardfield is scheduled to be sentenced at a hearing set for September 25.

The boy's family said they intend to sue the school district for failing to protect their son from harm. Mount Zion police officials and district leaders, in statements at the time, emphasized their commitment to supporting victims and pursuing accountability in cases involving adults in trusted positions who abuse children.