Married Bardstown Teachers charged in Juvenile Sexual Assault

This from the Kentucky Standard:

Two Bardstown High School educators were arrested Wednesday for charges related to a juvenile.

Bardstown High School drama coach Kevin Allen Holladay, 42, was charged with unlawful transaction with a minor, first degree, and sexual abuse, fourth degree, of a juvenile female student at Bardstown High School.

Kevin Holladay’s wife, Marta Lianne Holladay, 34, who is a certified French teacher at Bardstown High School, was charged with assault, fourth degree. Her charge involves the same student. The assault charge against Marta Holladay was brought after she allegedly assaulted the student on school grounds before noon
Tuesday.

Kevin Holladay turned himself in to the Bardstown Police Department Wednesday afternoon with his attorney present. “I went out to arrest them [at their residence on Wednesday] on Hunters Lane,” Detective Larry Coombs said. “I let [Marta] get her bond money and made sure she turned herself into the [Nelson County] jail.”

Coombs said contact between Kevin Holladay and the juvenile student occurred several times throughout the 2007-08 school year. Details on whether the incidents occurred on or off school grounds were not released. “We do not have exact dates for certain incidents,” Coombs said.

Bardstown City Schools Superintendent Brent Holsclaw said Kevin Holladay, who had been the drama coach for three years, and Marta Holladay, who had taught at Bardstown for five years, notified the school board in early April of their intent to leave. Kevin Holladay planned to promote a personal business while Marta Holladay planned to teach at a college in Indiana.

“Their resignation was due to starting new careers in Indiana,” Holsclaw said. “You never know for sure, but I feel as though none of this was an issue at that time.“We are finding it hard to believe,” Holsclaw added. “He has done a very good job with the drama program.”

Kevin Holladay’s bond was set at $25,000 cash for the unlawful transaction with a minor charge. He also had a $1,000 cash bond for the sexual abuse charge. He remained in jail at press time. If he posts bond, he is to have no contact with any minors.

Marta Holladay’s bond was set for $1,000 cash, which she posted shortly after being arrested Wednesday afternoon. Marta Holladay is not to have any contact with the victim.

Coombs said he would recommend Kevin Holladay be indicted by the Grand Jury on the felony charges. The next indictments are scheduled for June 4.

Marta Holladay’s offense is a misdemeanor charge.

“I will be seeking an indictment on [Kevin Holladay],” Coombs said. “There is a potential we may have more juvenile victims because of his access to the school and other juveniles. Statistically, in situations like this, there is more than one [victim].”

The Bardstown Police Department requests that parents speak with their children regarding any inappropriate relationships with adults.

Neither Kevin nor Marta Holladay will return to Bardstown High School. “They are not on campus. They will not be back on campus,” Holsclaw said.