Maine Teacher Has Been Charged With Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

According to an article from WGME 13, a Maine art teacher has formally been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor.

The news station is reporting that Spruce Mountain School Superintendent, Scott Albet, officially placed Jan Barlow, a 47-year-old art teacher, on paid leave in February following a complaint from a student's parent about a relationship that they believed was inappropriate.

WGME reports that because of how serious the allegation was, police were contacted to conduct an investigation into the alleged complaint. Following the investigation from police, Jan Barlow has now been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor.

Police say that Barlow is also accused of attempting to get the victim to destroy evidence. At this time, Barlow is being held at the Franklin County Detention Center which is located in Farmington.

Barlow is currently being held without bail, according to WGME 13.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

**ORIGINAL STORY FOLLOWS BELOW**

According to WMTW News 8, the art teacher, who works for the Spruce Mountain School District which servers the towns of Jay, Livermore and Livermore Falls, Maine, is on leave following the complaint.

The Superintendent of schools, Scott Albert, told the news station that because of the overall nature of the complaint that was lodged, multiple agencies were notified including the Maine Department of Education (certification program) and the Maine Department of Health & Human Services.

According to information from Maine.Gov, the Certification Program with the Maine DOE is responsible for certifying both new teachers and administrators as they enter new education roles within the state of Maine.