Winfield teacher charged with sending obscene material to student

Carrie Jackson

Article contributed by The Journal Record

By LOUIS MELLINI
Staff Writer

WINFIELD - Former Winfield City High School teacher Carrie Jackson, 44, was arrested for distribution of obscene material to a student and was released on Thursday, Jan. 16, on a $3,000 bond.

According to a press release from 25th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Slatton, Jackson allegedly sent a nude photo to a current student at the high school.

Winfield Police Chief Brett Burleson stated that Jackson turned herself in to the Marion County Jail in Hamilton on Thursday, Jan. 16, and was released the same day.

Burleson also stated that Jackson turned herself in to the jail in an attempt to "make things right". He said that he and sgt. Brad Burroughs drove Jackson to the county jail so that she could turn herself in.

Winfield Superintendent of Education Chris Cook informed the Journal Record that following her arrest and eventual release, Jackson submitted her letter of resignation to Winfield City High School where her husband, Keith Jackson, is principal.

Carrie Jackson was hired at the recommendation of Cook at a special-called meeting of the Winfield City Board of Education on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, a month after her husband was hired by the school.

"On Friday, Jan. 10, Winfield City Schools first became aware of allegations of inappropriate activity by one of our teachers during the Christmas break. Our investigation confirmed preliminary verification of the information, and we immediately notified the Winfield City Police, upholding our legal obligation as mandatory reporters.

Concurrently, we placed the teacher on administrative leave pending further investigation," said Cook.

"On Wednesday, Mrs. Jackson was arrested on charges of electronic distribution of obscene material  to a minor, and is no longer an employee of the school system. We are deeply distressed by these events, and we stand ready to support students and families by providing counseling and other services they may need." 

(When a defendant is charged with a crime, the charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.)