(BENTON, Ky.) — A former school resource officer with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office has been formally charged with harassment following an extensive investigation that began earlier this year.
Steven Oakley, who previously worked as a school resource officer, was indicted Wednesday in Marshall County District Court. The charges stem from allegations that surfaced in May regarding inappropriate communications with students.
Investigation Timeline
The controversy began in mid-May when reports emerged suggesting Oakley had been sending improper messages to students. Marshall County Sheriff’s Office officials responded quickly, launching an internal review and requesting assistance from Kentucky State Police for a criminal investigation within days of learning about the allegations.
Oakley’s employment was terminated on May 21, though the KSP investigation continued. The case was brought before a grand jury on July 11, which ultimately returned the harassment indictment. An arraignment was scheduled for August 6 following Oakley’s service of the charges.
Court Proceedings
Due to a conflict of interest, Marshall County Attorney Jason Darnall withdrew from the case, with Calloway County Attorney Bryan Ernstberger stepping in as special prosecutor.
At Wednesday’s arraignment, defense attorney Don Thomas entered a not guilty plea on behalf of his client. Thomas maintained that no criminal activity had occurred and requested an expedited trial timeline, asking for proceedings to begin within 180 days.
District Judge Jack Telle approved the motion but indicated that October would be the earliest possible trial date. A preliminary hearing was set for 10 a.m. on September 3, though no trial date was established at that time.
Judge Telle announced his intention to recuse himself from the case to prevent any perception of bias and stated he would issue an order that day to locate a replacement judge.
Following Telle’s recusal announcement, Thomas withdrew his motion for the accelerated trial schedule to allow additional time for judicial assignment. Telle noted that replacement judges are typically found within a week but acknowledged Thomas’s motion withdrawal.
Next Steps
Oakley’s next court appearance is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3. The case will proceed once a new judge is assigned to handle the proceedings.