Former Letcher County teacher, Brian Bailey, entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment Wednesday morning. Bailey, 55, of Benham, is charged with third-degree rape, three counts possession of child abuse material and tampering with physical evidence.

Police said their investigation began in November 2023 when there were reports of “inappropriate contact and communication with a juvenile female.” Letcher County Schools Superintendent Denise Yonts previously stated that Bailey is no longer an employee of the school system.