JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — A Jefferson County substitute teacher has been arrested following allegations of inappropriate sexual contact with a student, according to jail records and school officials.

Authorities identified the suspect as Crystal Veronica Rankin, 43, who has been charged with school employee engaging in a sex act or deviant sexual intercourse with a student, a felony offense under Alabama law.

Investigators said the alleged incident occurred on May 11, though officials have not released additional details regarding the circumstances of the case. Information about the student involved has not been disclosed due to privacy protections.

At the time of the allegations, Rankin was serving as a substitute teacher at Oak Grove High School.

According to Jefferson County Jail records, Rankin was booked into the county jail at approximately 2:08 p.m. Wednesday and released about 40 minutes later at 2:48 p.m. after posting bond. Court records indicate her bond was set at $30,000.

Walter Gonsoulin, superintendent of Jefferson County Schools, confirmed that the district is aware of the allegations and is cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities.

In a statement, Gonsoulin emphasized that the district’s primary concern remains the safety and well-being of students. He said school administrators immediately contacted the third-party agency responsible for staffing substitute teachers upon learning of the allegations to ensure Rankin would no longer be assigned to any district campus.

School officials also noted that the allegations are believed to involve an off-campus incident. Because the investigation remains ongoing and student privacy laws apply, the district declined to provide additional details.

Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the matter and are gathering evidence as they work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the allegations. No further information has been released regarding potential court proceedings or additional charges.

Authorities stress that the charge represents an allegation, and Rankin is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation remains active.