Alabama Teachers Charged in Child Abuse and Exploitation Case

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Three teachers in Pickens County, Alabama have been charged in connection with a child sexual abuse and exploitation investigation. Antavious Belgrave, Lakethia Wilkins, and Roderick Granger face multiple counts, including sexual abuse, indecent exposure, and using their positions to obtain explicit photos from students. Two other school employees, Winston Bishop and Caminion Gary, are also suspects in the case, but court records are not yet available for them.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious issue of educator misconduct and the failure to protect vulnerable students. It raises concerns about oversight and accountability within the school system, as well as the need for stronger policies and training to prevent such abuses of power.

The details

According to court records, Belgrave, a teacher at Aliceville High School, is charged with a dozen crimes, including first-degree sexual abuse, indecent exposure, and using his position to obtain explicit photos from a student. Granger, also an Aliceville High teacher, is accused of saving a nude photo of a student and sending it to someone else, as well as changing student grades for personal gain. Wilkins, a teacher at Aliceville Elementary, is charged with possession of private images of minors on her phone and failing to report suspected child sexual abuse.

• The offense dates for Belgrave's charges are in February 2024.
• The offense dates for Granger's charges are in January 2026.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Belgrave, Granger, and Wilkins out on bail.