James Lamar Horton
RED BAY-James Lamar Horton, 71 has been arrested and charged with four counts of indecent exposure, two counts of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12, and one count of criminal surveillance. Horton was arrested on Wednesday, January 25.
The Alabama State Bureau said agents with the agency’s regional office in Russellville began an investigation January 2 after being contacted by Red Bay police. Red Bay Police were contacted about the alleged charges on December 26 of 2017. Authorities said the allegations were reported after one of the students said something to their parents.
James Horton was serving as a volunteer member of the Foster Grandparent Program of Northwest Alabama, assigned to the Red Bay Elementary School kindergarten.
Horton is being held in the Franklin County Detention Center. His bond was set at $200,000 on Thursday.
Franklin County Schools Superintendent Greg Hamilton said Horton is not an employee of the school system.
Hamilton issued the following statement earlier this week before the arrest was announced:
“I am aware of the ongoing investigation. I find the allegations deeply concerning. The education, welfare, and safety of the students of Franklin County are top priorities of the Franklin County Board of Education. I cannot discuss specific details or personnel matters. Further questions should be directed to the Franklin County Board of Education attorney.”
