New judge will hear NMCC teacher case

NEW MADRID - A new judge will be appointed to hear the preliminary evidence against a middle school teacher accused of rape, sodomy and distribution of a controlled substance.

In a hearing Monday, the attorney for Susan Sharp, who is charged with two counts of second degree statutory sodomy, distribution of a controlled substance to a minor and second degree statutory rape, requested a change of judge. Associate Judge Charles Spitler granted the request and the matter was certified to Division I of New Madrid County Circuit Court for reassignment.

Sharp, 47, was charged Oct. 25 with the crimes and released after posting a $25,000 bond. A teacher at the New Madrid County R-1 Middle School, Sharp was removed from her teaching duties prior to her arrest after school officials learned of the investigation.

Reportedly Sharp was under investigation for being involved with high school-aged students.