Thorsby teacher arrested on rape and sodomy charges

Published 12:47 pm Monday, August 19, 2013

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The Chilton County Sheriff’s Department arrested a Thorsby High School teacher Friday on six counts of rape (statutory) in the second degree and two counts of second-degree sodomy.

Sheriff Kevin Davis said Jennifer Collins McNeill, 39, of Thorsby, was taken into custody by the sheriff’s department at 4:40 p.m. on Friday.

Davis said McNeill was arrested at the Chilton County Jail after authorities obtained a warrant for her arrest due to allegations made regarding McNeill.

“The allegations that were made were investigated and a warrant was obtained,” Davis said.

Davis said due to the victim being a juvenile, he could not release any information and it is unclear if the victim was a Thorsby student.

Chilton County Superintendent Dave Hayden said McNeill was a cheerleader sponsor at Thorsby and was primarily a sixth grade teacher.

Hayden said McNeill was placed on indefinite administrative leave Saturday morning.

McNeill was held at the Chilton County Jail on a $160,000 bond.

Davis said McNeill made bond and was released from the county jail on Saturday.

“We are continuing to investigate the situation,” Davis said.

A preliminary court hearing for McNeill has been set for Sept. 25 at 9 a.m. at the Chilton County Courthouse in front of Judge Rhonda Hardesty.