TULSA, Okla. — The jury trial for former Broken Arrow elementary teacher, Edward Lee Hodge, started on Monday at the Tulsa County District Court.
55-year-old Hodge is accused of seven counts of lewd molestation for allegedly touching female students inappropriately.
He was a fifth grade teacher at Aspen Creek Elementary School.
In June 2018, Broken Arrow Police arrested Hodge for lewd molestation after a lengthy investigation. The victims are between the ages of 10 and 12.
The school district released a statement after the incident saying "while everyone is innocent until proven guilty, the type of behavior alleged in this case is disgusting and we do not tolerate it." He was removed from the classroom.
Hodge was released from custody on a $200,000 bond a day after his arrest.
If proven guilty, punishment for lewd molestation in Oklahoma carries a sentence of three to 20 years in prison, unless the alleged victim is younger than 12 years old. If under age 12, the minimum sentence for the crime is 25 years in prison.
Officials with the Tulsa County District Attorney say the jury has been selected and seated. Opening statements begin Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 9 a.m.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
