Former Teacher Indicted On Sex, Pornography Charges

A former Rehobeth High School teacher has been indicted on seven felony charges involving sex with a student and the possession of pornographic materials.  A Houston County Grand Jury, after hearing testimony, found there is enough evidence against Robert Lee Michel to warrant trials on the charges.

Specifically, Michel is charged with three counts of School Employee Engaging in Sex with a Student under the Age of 19---felonies under a recently-enacted Alabama law.  Houston County Sheriff Andy Hughes said Michael's is the first arrest his agency has made under the measure approved by the Alabama Legislature during its 2011 session.  Additionally, Michael faces four charges of Possessing Child Pornography.  The latter charges---according to prosecutors----involve images taken from Michael's computer drives following his arrest.

Michael, 43, was arrested after, according to investigators, he fled the 16-year old student's home when the teen's mom returned home unexpectedly and found Michael and her daughter engaged in sexual activity.

Sheriff Andy Hughes said Michel ran from the home without clothes on. He was captured a short time later--clad in only trash bags. The alleged incident occurred April 20.  Michel has since been terminated from his job.

Arraignment for Michel has been set June 26 with trial scheduled August 20.  Houston County Circuit Judge Henry D. "Butch" Binford has been assigned to preside over the cases.

Michael has been in jail since his arrest.