Three former Billingsley School employees arrested in child abuse probe

Three former Billingsley School employees were arrested May 27 after an extensive child abuse investigation centered on a self-contained special needs classroom in Autauga County.

The defendants are former teacher Kendra Spencer and former teacher aides Jennifer Davis and Shayla Johnson. Investigators said the alleged abuse involved students assigned to that classroom, and Sheriff Mark Harrell said the abuse was documented on video. Two of the three turned themselves in voluntarily; the third was taken into custody without incident.

Harrell said the case required an extraordinary amount of time and resources because investigators and school officials reviewed hundreds of hours of surveillance footage and other evidence. He said additional charges could still be filed as more of the video is examined. The Autauga County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Autauga County Schools said it moved quickly after learning of the allegations, contacting the Alabama State Department of Education, the Alabama Department of Human Resources and the sheriff’s office. Superintendent Lyman Woodfin said the employees were placed on administrative leave, removed from campus and later resigned. The school board also said it removed the individuals from the classroom as soon as the allegations were raised.

The arrests raise hard questions for Billingsley families about how long the alleged abuse went on, what warning signs were missed inside the classroom and whether enough safeguards were in place for students with special needs. Authorities have not said how many children were involved, but they have made clear the case centers on students assigned to that room and that the video evidence was central to uncovering what happened.

The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with additional information to call 334-361-2500. With the investigation still open and Harrell warning that more charges may be coming, the case is likely to remain a major focus for Autauga County Schools, parents and law enforcement in the days ahead.