Demopolis teacher on administrative leave following arrest

Demopolis Middle School teacher and basketball coach Jesse Bell is on paid administrative leave following his arrest in Sumter County.

“I have not received any facts behind the allegations yet, but when I do, we’ll make a decision from that point on,” Demopolis Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff said. “Any time I put someone on paid administrative leave, I’ve got to submit that to the state and they will conduct their own investigation. So it is out of this board’s hands. I don’t know the time frame on that.”

Bell, who is the owner of the Oak Tree Lounge in Coatopa, was arrested Tuesday, June 21 and charged with violating anti-obscenity laws stemming from incidents at his establishment. The ALEA confirmed that the arrest is in conjunction with violation of Alabama Anti-Obscenity Act and marijuana possession.

Charges against Bell include Possession of Marijuana Second Degree as well as a Class C felony for allowing nude dancing to take place within the lounge.

The 17th Judicial Task Force combined with the Alabama Beverage Control Board to assist the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency in the arrest. Bell’s booking took place at Johnny L. Hatter Detention Center in Livingston. His bond was set at $10,000.

Bell, a physical education teacher at DMS, has been a teacher and coach at Demopolis City Schools since Aug. 1993.