PC teacher faces misconduct charge

Phil Campbell High School science teacher Jordan Benford has been placed on administrative leave after allegations of sexual conduct with a student under the age of 19.

Benford, 28, was arrested Sunday night by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office around 10:30 p.m. before being released on a $50,000 bond Monday afternoon, according to Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver.

Oliver said the sheriff’s department received a call from the student’s parents Sunday night, at which time an investigation was conducted and charges were filed against Benford.

A special called meeting was held Monday morning to immediately place Benford on administrative leave, according to a Franklin County Board of Education staff member.