Mississippi teacher indicted on student sex charges

Published 4:36 pm Thursday, February 21, 2019

A former Mississippi high school teacher accused of illegal sexual contact with a 16-year-old student has been indicted.

The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reports former Tupelo High School teacher Braden Bishop remains free on $100,000 bail pending a court appearance in March.

The 36-year-old Bishop was arrested last fall and charged with two counts of sexual battery and five counts of child molestation. Officials say he had a 10-month relationship with a Tupelo High student that began when she was 16.

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Bishop’s lawyer, Tony Farese, confirms the indictment but says he can’t comment on specifics.

A 10-year-teacher, Bishop taught broadcast journalism and was sports information director.

A judge ruled earlier that there was probable cause to arrest Bishop, a step required before charges can be filed in Mississippi against some people, including teachers.