Former teacher, college adviser charged with Enticement of Child

OFORD, Miss. — A former teacher listed as an academic adviser at the University of Missisippi is facing charges after an alleged sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student.

Lauren Kennamore of Pontotoc, listed as an advisor in the School of Journalism and New Media, has been placed on leave by the University of Mississippi.

She is charged with Enticement of a Child, stemming from an alleged incident in Union County.

Union County Sheriff Jimmy Edwards says accusations from a student at West Union Attendance Center outside New Albany led to Kennamore’s arrest.

“We went out and investigated, took some statements, talked to some people, done some search warrants and things of that nature and ended up presenting our case to the grand jury,” Edwards said.

The sheriff says the grand jury returned an indictment against Kennamore, a teacher at the school, who has since been fired by the Union County School System. She was arrested Oct. 8.

According to the indictment, the student is 17 and the alleged incident occurred between February and March of this year at the school.

The indictment states in part that Kennamore “intentionally seduced, and solicited the student for the purpose of engaging in sexually explicit conduct.”

Kennamore is out on $20,000 bond. If convicted she could face five to 40 years in prison and substantial fines.

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