Former substitute teacher accused of sexually abusing children at elementary school

Authorities say Jeffrey Owen allegedly abused multiple students at Weaver Elementary School and another school in Anniston, Alabama.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 1:33pm

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A former substitute teacher named Jeffrey Owen has been arrested and charged with sexually abusing multiple children at Weaver Elementary School in Calhoun County, Alabama, as well as at a school in Anniston, Alabama. The allegations came to light after a child came forward and disclosed the abuse, leading to an investigation that uncovered additional victims.

Why it matters

The case highlights the importance of parents and guardians listening to children's allegations of abuse and working closely with school officials and law enforcement to address such serious crimes. It also raises concerns about the vetting process for substitute teachers and the need for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable students.

The details

According to authorities, Owen was not directly employed by any school board in Alabama, but worked as a substitute teacher. A child at Weaver Elementary came forward saying they were abused by Owen during the 2021-22 school year, and the child's sister also disclosed being sexually abused by Owen at the same school. Investigators later found that Owen was also accused of sexually abusing a child at a school in Anniston, Alabama in 2025.

  • The alleged abuse at Weaver Elementary occurred during the 2021-22 school year.
  • The alleged abuse at the Anniston school occurred in 2025.

The players

Jeffrey Owen

A former substitute teacher accused of sexually abusing multiple children at Weaver Elementary School and another school in Anniston, Alabama.

Falon Hurst

The Calhoun County Sheriff who emphasized the importance of parents and guardians listening to children's allegations of abuse.

Clint Parris

The Anniston Police Chief who said a child reported being sexually abused by Owen in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Please listen carefully to your children and never dismiss allegations of abuse. It's important to talk to the schools, talk to the school employees, listen to your kids, talk to the SROs and know the SROs for those reasons.”

— Falon Hurst, Calhoun County Sheriff

“The child actually told her parents, and the parent actually came down and filed the report with us, and they kept in contact with the parents and the school system and worked well with our investigative division to bring this to an end.”

— Clint Parris, Anniston Police Chief

What’s next

Owen is currently facing charges of sexual abuse of a child younger than 12 in both the Weaver Elementary School and Anniston cases. The investigations are ongoing, and authorities are urging any other potential victims to come forward.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for robust vetting processes for substitute teachers and stronger safeguards to protect students from predatory behavior. It also highlights the importance of parents and guardians taking children's allegations of abuse seriously and working closely with schools and law enforcement to address such egregious crimes.