Sex Trial Of Calvin Bell-Tharpe, Former NHS Teacher, Delayed
By: Ken Curtis
Updated: March 31, 2012
The trial of a former Northview High School teacher on sex charges involving a student has been delayed. Court records show the trial of Calvin Bell-Tharpe has been rescheduled for May 14. The continuance marks the second time the trial has been postponed.
Bell-Tharpe is accused of having sexual relations with a male student---an act police say happened off-campus. Judicial filings show the alleged offense occurred November 1, 2010 though Bell-Tharpe was not arrested until June, 2011. An initial internal investigation, according to school administrators, failed to substantiate a criminal act took place.
A police investigator, testifying during a preliminary hearing following the arrest, claims Bell-Tharpe took the boy to an apartment belonging to a relative of the teacher. Officer Renya Johnson said the intercourse took place after the two dined together at the apartment and lasted for an undetermined amount of time--but possibly as long as an hour.
Meanwhile, defense attorney Shaun McGhee said his client denies the allegations against him.
Bell-Tharpe, who is now 31-years old, was an art teacher and tennis coach at Northview. He has since left the employ of the Dothan School System and is free on 175-thousand dollar bond.
