Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

Ashlee Elizabeth Steinman has been arrested on charges of a school employee engaging in a sex act with a student under the age of 19.

Steinman is listed as the Chilton County High School band director on the school’s website.

Steinman was arrested by the Clanton Police Department at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 9. She is currently in the Chilton County Jail without bond.

According to a press release from the 19th Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s office, “The offense is a class B Felony and the range of punishment is 2-20 years. Steinman did use her official position to gain access to the student and carryout the illegal relationship. The arrest occurred after the Clanton Police Department received a report of a possible inappropriate relationship between a 29 year-old female teacher and an 18 year-old male student

at Chilton County High School … An investigation was launched, and probable cause for the listed charge was established as the investigation developed.”

Chilton County Schools Superintendent Jason Griffin said he could “not comment on personnel matters for legal reasons.”

However, he did say that this situation will be addressed as a personnel matter.

The school system is cooperating with the ongoing investigation by the District Attorney’s

Office and the Clanton Police Department.

“We go where the evidence takes us, but we are very early in the process. If the investigation

reveals probable cause for more charges or heaven forbid additional victims, then we are ready

to act,” the release stated.

Those with information “they believe may related to this investigation” are asked to contact Detective David Kline with the Clanton Police Department directly at david.kline@clantonpd.org or at 205-755-1194.

A court date is yet to be set.

“I can’t say enough about the dedication and hard work of the Clanton Police Department and the cooperation of the Chilton County Board of Education,” Chief Deputy District Attorney CJ Robinson said. “These are serious offenses and while we pray things like this don’t happen, unfortunately sometimes they do. When the public trust is betrayed, we want to act as swiftly, but as thoroughly as possible. The investigators on this case have worked tirelessly to uncover the truth. I hope we have found all there is to find. If there are more victims out there, please know that you are not alone and coming forward is the right thing to do. We have so many honorable people in Chilton County who have devoted their lives to being the best teachers they can be. Bringing those who use their position to victimize students to justice is the first step in rebuilding the trust of the community.”