Former School Teacher Charged With Attempted Enticement of Child:

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Darrel W. Farris (mug shot CCSO)

A man from Galena has been charged with felony attempted enticement of a child and two misdemeanor counts of third-degree assault in Christian County.

Court documents allege that Darrel W. Farris, a former school teacher in Sparta, inappropriately touched and kissed a 13 year-old female student during tutoring classes on January 22nd and 24th. 

The girl told authorities that Farris, 37, attempted to kiss her and rubbed her legs outside of her clothing as she sat on the edge of his desk on the January 22nd incident.  The girl says Farris told her "that if she told anyone it would ruin his life and career.

The girl was told other students would be attending a tutoring session on January 24th, but when she arrived she was the only student in the classroom.  She says that after she completed her work Farris leaned over her and started kissing her neck.

She says she gathered her things and attempted to leave but Farris met her at the door and started "kissing me repeatedly on the lips."  The girl told authorities she pushed him away and told him "he had a wife and kids and should not be doing this." 

The probable cause statement says, "Farris took immediate action in hiring an attorney and has exercised his right to remain silent."  His attorney, Mark Hammer, says his client denies "having any contact with the female student."

Farris, who is free on bond, resigned his position after an investigation by the Sparta school district.  He is due back in court on April 17th.