A former Henderson County High School teacher pleaded not guilty to charges that she sent sexual messages to students by phone or by social media.
Rachel Clement, 29, was charged with two counts of unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual or other prohibited actions. She was also charged with first-degree sexual abuse and tampering with physical evidence.
At her arraignment Tuesday morning, Clement pleaded not guilty to all charges. Later Tuesday morning, she was taken to the Henderson County Detention Center, where she was booked. Later, she bonded out on a $10,000 cash bond.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Herb McKee, Jr., said there are no charges against Clement in which she distributed obscene material and there are no charges of the defendant engaging in sexual activity with a minor.
The sexual abuse charge involves the sexual messaging, and the tampering with physical evidence charge involves deleting or obscuring evidence, McKee said.
McKee said he couldn’t elaborate on details of the charges because he didn’t want to make any statements construed as inflammatory in case the case goes to trial.
The investigation began after a report was made during the school year to high school officials, who then contacted law enforcement. The Henderson Police Department investigated the case.
Currently, the case is set for an Oct. 12 pre-trial conference with trial starting on Oct. 23, McKee said.
McKee said Clement is no longer employed with Henderson County Schools, and she is not allowed on HCS property.
McKee said the charge of promoting or procuring a minor by electric means for sexual activity is a class C felony, punishable by 5-10 years in jail; first-degree sexual abuse is punishable by 1-5 years; and tampering with physical evidence is punishable by 1-5 years.
Clement is being represented by Owensboro attorney Jonathon Coomes of law firm Foreman, Watson, Holtrey.
