Former Substitute Teacher Charged with Two Counts of Sexual Abuse in Calhoun County

Jeffrey Owen (Image courtesy of Calhoun County Sheriff's Office)

TWLN Staff Reporter | The Weekly Ledger News | Area News | March 10, 2026

CALHOUN COUNTY, Ala. — A former substitute teacher in Calhoun County is facing two counts of sexual abuse following allegations involving students during the 2021–2022 school year.

Sheriff Falon Hurst confirmed that Jeffrey Owen was employed through a third-party agency that provides substitute teachers and was not directly employed by the Calhoun County School System.

According to Hurst, the investigation began after a child came forward alleging Owen had abused them during the 2021–2022 school year. The child’s sibling later reported experiencing similar abuse.

The children’s parents filed a report with the Weaver Police Department, which determined the alleged incidents occurred at Weaver Elementary School.

Because the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office maintains a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Weaver Elementary, the case was subsequently forwarded to the sheriff’s office for further investigation.

Following that investigation, Owen was arrested and charged with two counts of sexual abuse, according to the sheriff’s office.

Authorities say it is currently unclear which other schools Owen may have worked at while serving as a substitute teacher, and officials have not yet confirmed when his employment as a substitute ended.

The Weekly Ledger News reached out to Tony Willis, Superintendent of Calhoun County Schools, who stated that Owen substituted for the district several years ago but has not been on campus in recent years.

Sheriff Hurst urged anyone who suspects abuse to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency where the school is located and emphasized the importance of parents and guardians listening carefully when children come forward with concerns.

“Please listen carefully to your children and never dismiss allegations of abuse,” Hurst said.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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