An investigation is continuing into allegations that a Strong-Huttig schoolteacher and coach sexually molested two female students.
On April 11, Steven G. Anthony, 29, of 907 Hibanks Road, made his first appearance in 35th Judicial District Court on seven counts of sexual assault, first-degree.
Anthony was issued a $25,000 cash or corporate surety bond and banned from all activities in the Strong-Huttig School District.
He has since been released on bond from the Union County Jail.
Anthony — a Social Studies teacher and football and basketball coach at Strong-Huttig High School — surrendered himself on April 4 on an Arkansas State Police warrant for the sexual assault charges.
He surrendered himself to a special agent with the ASP Criminal Investigation Division. The Union County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the arrest.
Bill Sadler, public information officer for the ASP, said state police launched an investigation on March 8 after two female students accused him of molestation.
On the same day, Union County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of disturbance at Strong High School.
Upon arrival, they learned that a teacher, Anthony, had been assaulted by the parent of a student.
Deputies said they made contact with a man and woman in the counselor’s office.
The man told deputies that the woman was his wife and they had come to the school to speak with the principal about a matter that involved their 13-year-old daughter and Anthony.
The man told deputies that “he met Anthony coming from (the principal’s office) and lost it.”
He said he began striking Anthony and the two were separated. He and his wife were then taken to the counselor’s office, he said.
The man was subsequently arrested for second-degree battery and he appeared in district court on March 19.
A UCSO incident report did not indicate if the incident was related to the ASP investigation or Anthony’s arrest.
Jeff Alphin, Strong-Huttig superintendent, said the district is conducting its own investigation into the matter.
Alphin said he could not publicly discuss school personnel issues, but he confirmed that Anthony is still employed by the district and has worked there for nearly two years.
“We take our duties very seriously and we follow the law. We have sought out legal advice and we follow the best practices,” Alphin said.
“We want everyone to understand that a proper investigation takes time and it’s important to make sure that what we do is … and appropriate,” Alphin continued.
State police also said their investigation is ongoing.
During his first appearance hearing in district court, Anthony said he planned to hire his own attorney.
He was issued a daily curfew of 5 p.m. until 7 a.m. and he was ordered not to have any contact with the victims.
Tia Lyons may be contacted at 870-862-6611 or by email at [email protected].