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Teacher Accused Of Inappropriate Relationship With 14-Year-Old Student, Including Smuggling Her Into Locked-Down School In Bin
Lucas Talley allegedly admitted to an inappropriate emotional relationship with his victim, saying he viewed their contact as "a type of therapy."
A Utah middle school teacher has allegedly confessed to smuggling a 14-year-old student into his classroom inside a bin so he could pursue an inappropriate relationship with her.
Lucas Sloan Talley, 38, allegedly began having an “emotional relationship” with one of his 14-year-old students in April, when he started texting her about his marriage and mental health struggles, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by the Gephardt Daily. He allegedly began taking “treats” to the girl’s home and spending time with her there, exchanging hugs with both the girl and her mother.
Talley’s school was under lockdown at the time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he allegedly told police he snuck the girl into his classroom twice by hiding her inside a plastic storage bin and wheeling her in on a dolly, the Desert News reports.
He allegedly told police he named the bin after the girl and placed a note inside it that read, “hope your box is comfortable,” the affidavit states.
He allegedly said the girl’s parents were unaware of his actions and he “does not feel a girl at the age of 14 is able to consent or even choose to be put into a bin and wheeled into his classroom,” according to the Desert News.
Once inside the classroom, Talley allegedly shut and locked the door. The girl told authorities he rubbed her leg and touched her inner thigh, and she “was scared something sexual was about to happen,” according to the affidavit.
Despite the girl’s mother telling Talley in June to end all contact with her daughter, he allegedly continued messaging the girl for months – sending daily texts, emails and video messages saying how much he loved her and missed her, local station KUTV reports.
During this time, Talley was also allegedly messaged multiple other teen girls about non-school-related matters. He allegedly told detectives he needs “validation” from his female students and had been craving that validation since his school was shut down, according to local station KSL.
He said he knew his actions were “overstepping his teacher role,” but he viewed them as “a type of therapy,” according to the affidavit. He allegedly said he relied on messaging young girls to cope with his anxiety and panic attacks.
Police became aware of Talley’s alleged actions over Thanksgiving weekend, KUTV reports. He resigned from his teaching position that same week.
Talley was arrested last Friday and charged with kidnapping, according to inmate records. He is being held without bond.
It’s not clear if he has an attorney who can comment on his behalf.
