DECATUR, Ill. (Gray News) - A substitute teacher in Illinois pleaded guilty sexually assaulting an 11-year-old student during “play dates” at her home, according to reports.

Former Decatur Public Schools employee Alley Bardfield, 34, pleaded guilty to predatory criminal sexual assault, according to WCIA.

She reached a partial plea deal with prosecutors in which she agreed to the sole count against her.

The case started in April 2024 when Mt. Zion police were informed by a mother that Bardfield had an inappropriate relationship with her 11-year-old son.

The boy was assigned to Bardfield’s class at Hope Academy in Decatur.

According to a lawsuit filed by the child’s parents, the boy had multiple “play dates” at Bardfield’s home in 2023.

He then visited again twice in March 2024. Durin

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