New Albany Teacher Indicted for Enticement of a Minor: Community in Shock

New Albany Teacher Indicted for Enticement of a Minor

NEW ALBANY, Miss. — A former teacher from West Union Attendance Center and academic advisor at Ole Miss has been indicted for enticement of a child. The accused, Lauren Kennamore, aged 36, was indicted by a grand jury on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The allegation stems from an incident involving a 17-year-old student.

Details of the Case

According to Union County Sheriff Jimmy Edwards, the alleged crime occurred between February and March of this year. Following the indictment, Kennamore was taken into custody and booked into the county jail on the same day. The seriousness of the allegations has drawn significant attention from both the community and the authorities.

Employment Status

As a result of the indictment, the West Union school district has terminated Kennamore’s employment. Her position was directly linked to the serious nature of the allegations she faces. In addition, Kennamore was a currently employed academic advisor at the University of Mississippi (commonly known as Ole Miss). The university is also responding to the indictment; Jacob Batte, the director of News and Media Relations at Ole Miss, confirmed that she was placed on administrative leave on Wednesday, following the indictment.

Community Reaction

The news of the indictment has shocked many in the New Albany community. Parents and students at West Union Attendance Center expressed their disbelief, as Kennamore was previously perceived as a trusted educator. “It’s disturbing to think something like this could happen in our schools,” one parent remarked, highlighting the community’s concern over the impacts such incidents can have on the school environment.

Legal Consequences

The charge of enticement of a child is serious and can carry severe legal consequences, depending on the case’s outcome. A conviction for such a charge can lead to significant prison time and will likely affect both Kennamore’s personal and professional life for years to come.

As the case proceeds through the judicial system, more information will likely emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding the indictment and the appropriate legal actions that will follow. The community remains engaged and concerned, waiting to see how the legal proceedings will unfold.

Conclusion

As law enforcement and the local school district continue to address the situation, the case of Lauren Kennamore highlights broader issues of safety and trust within educational settings. The community’s response underscores the importance of ensuring a safe environment for students.

Further updates will be provided as the case develops and as new information becomes available from both legal and educational authorities.