A former Faith Academy guidance counselor was found guilty after prosecutors presented evidence she failed to report suspected sexual misconduct to the proper authorities.
Carrie Meredith was found guilty of failure to report.
District Attorney Keith Blackwood said the suspected sexual misconduct involved a teacher and a student.
"Alabama's mandatory reporting law exists for a reason,” Blackwood stated. “When concerns about possible abuse or sexual misconduct involving a child come to light, the law requires those concerns to be reported so trained professionals can investigate. Today's verdict reaffirms that this responsibility is not optional.”
Alabama law requires any person who has reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused to report to DHR, law enforcement or the District Attorney.
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Evidence showed that Meredith, who is considered a mandatory reporter, received information about the inappropriate conduct and did not report it.
Meredith was previously convicted in Mobile County District Court and appealed that decision to the Circuit Court, where a jury found her guilty.
“Teachers, counselors, and school employees are often the first line of defense in protecting children from abuse,” Blackwood continued. “When mandatory reporters fail to act, it can prevent critical information from reaching the agencies responsible for protecting vulnerable children.”
Meredith will be sentenced on June 24.
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