News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
A grand jury on Monday indicted a Cumberland County Commissioner and long-time educator for charges of sexual battery by an authority figure and providing alcohol to a minor.
Authorities arrested Michael E. Speich Monday afternoon.
According to a press release from the office of District Attorney Bryant Dunaway, law enforcement began investigating June 6 after receiving an allegation that a Stone Elementary teacher had provided alcohol to a minor.
As the investigation continued, evidence of the sexual abuse of the victim was discovered.
Speich is employed as a teacher at Stone Elementary School and is also a current elected County Commissioner for Cumberland County. The alleged victim was a minor child at the time of the offense.
Director of School Janet Graham and County Mayor Allen Foster issued a joint statement shortly after the information was made public by Dunaway’s office.
“Our children are our greatest asset. They are our hope and our future and deserve to be protected and nurtured, especially by those entrusted with their care,” the statement said. “That is what makes allegations such as these so disturbing.”
Foster and Graham said they would decline further comment until such time as deemed necessary.
