A former Illinois substitute teacher has admitted in court to sexually assaulting an 11-year-old student.
The teacher, 34-year-old Ally Bardfield, was accused last year of inviting the boy to her home and assaulting him. According to a lawsuit filed by the victim’s parents, Bardfield arranged “play dates” with the boy.
Bardfield pleaded guilty last week during a court hearing, local news outlets WCIA, Fox 32, and WCIS reported. She will return to court in September for sentencing and could face up to 40 years in prison.
Investigators say the abuse began in 2023. The boy visited Bardfield’s home several times, including two visits in May 2024, and even stayed overnight at least once.
The case came to light after the boy’s mother noticed changes in his behavior following a visit in May 2024. She checked his phone and found sexual messages between him and Bardfield, along with CashApp payments totaling up to $700 from Bardfield to the boy.
When questioned by police, Bardfield at first claimed the boy had made advances toward her.
Police said Bardfield was a long-term substitute teacher assigned to the boy’s 6th-grade class. “These allegations are shocking, especially when the accused is someone in a position of trust,” Mt. Zion Police said. “We are committed to supporting victims and their families through the trauma caused by these incidents.”
