Gravette, ARKANSAS

"Separation of school and state, its time." is how one poster reacted to revelations that a teacher arrested March 21st for having sex with a student was reprimanded in January for his "continuing contact" with the girl.

ARRESTED
Mar 22, 2007 - Casey Helms, 32, a Gravette High School drama teacher, was arrested in connection with a felony charge of first-degree sexual assault. He admitted to investigators that he had a "consensual sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student.

Helms resigned earlier this week, according to the school superintendent.
Helms was held in lieu of a $100,000 bond.
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TT - All of which must have raised flags with the newspaper because The Morning News filed a request with the superintendent's office under the Freedom of Information Act to obtain Helms' personnel file. They reported on that, too.

They found a letter dated Jan 2 in the personnel file, a copy of which was sent to the superintendent.

The letter alludes to a "previous discussion" about keeping "a professional distance from your students at all times." and that the principal was made aware that "you have still been in contact with (girl's name) at inappropriate times." Helms was to have no further contact with the student and all forensics or drama trips would have a female chaperone.

The sheriff's office didn't become involved until Mar 20. They found that the physical relationship between the two began in November during a forensics team trip . The two began having sex in December.

For the story of the arrest, the newspaper had this quote from the superintendent. "I feel extremely sad for everyone involved in this situation," said Curtis Spann, Gravette school superintendent."

ARRAIGNMENT SCHEDULED Apr 7 - Arraignment is scheduled for Apr 30. Helms remains in jail in lieu of a $100,000 bond.

NOT GUILTY PLEA May 23 - Helms entered a not guilty plea Monday to a charge of first-degree sexual assault. Helms remains in the Benton County Jail in lieu of a $100,000 bond. An omnibus hearing is planned June 14.

BOND REDUCTION May 14 - After a bond reduction from $100,000 to $40,000, Helms is out of jail after six weeks. An omnibus hearing (pre-trial hearing) in the case is planned June 14.

GUILTY PLEA and SENTENCING Jan 9, 2008 - Helms pleaded guilty to second-degree sexual assault and was sentenced to seven years in prison. He will have to register as a sex offender upon release.

Full Name: Casey Lee Helms