By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE, Ala.—A theatre teacher at the Academy for Academics & Arts Middle School has been placed on leave following his arrest on a charge of electronic solicitation of a child.
The employee was identified as Joshua Feemster, who has taught theatre at the Huntsville magnet school since being hired by Huntsville City Schools in July 2017.
According to Madison County Jail records, Feemster was arrested and charged with electronic solicitation of a child. He was later released from jail after posting a $15,000 bond.
Electronic solicitation of a child generally involves using electronic communication to allegedly entice, induce, or solicit a minor for unlawful sexual activity. Authorities have not publicly released specific details about the alleged communications, the age of the child involved, or the circumstances leading to Feemster’s arrest.
Huntsville City Schools spokesperson Craig Williams confirmed that the district was aware of the arrest and described the development as “deeply concerning.”
The school system said Feemster would be placed on leave and prohibited from entering Huntsville City Schools campuses until further notice. District officials also pledged to cooperate fully with law-enforcement authorities throughout the investigation.
Williams said student safety and well-being remain the school district’s highest priority. Huntsville City Schools will take any additional action considered necessary based on information obtained during the investigation.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities could release additional information. The criminal charge against Feemster is an allegation. He is presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in court.