A former West Elk special education teacher posted cash/surety bonds in Greenwood and Elk counties last Wednesday, July 29, after she was originally charged with nine counts.
Cristen Bahr, who resigned from her teaching role in June, turned herself in on Tuesday, July 28, before appearing for a first appearance hearing in Greenwood County, where Bahr is facing six counts. According to the complaint with Greenwood County Court, Bahr is facing the following charges: Unlawful distribution of a controlled substance (marijuana); Unlawful distribution of a controlled substance using a communication facility (marijuana); Contributing to a child’s misconduct (shelter/ conceal a juvenile); Aggravated endangering a child; Furnishing alcoholic beverage to a minor; and Unlawful acts (sell, furnish or distribute cigarettes to any person under 18). Four of the charges are listed as felonies, with the last two being listed as misdemeanors.
Bahr was expected to make her first appearance on three charges in Elk County on Wednesday, July 29; however, she posted bond in both cases and was released. In Elk County, Bahr is facing charges of Criminal sodomy; Indecent solicitation of a child and Electronic solicitation of a child. The complaint alleges Bahr engaged in oral sex with a 15-yearold and used the Snapchat app to solicit the minor to engage in sexual intercourse.
On Friday, July 31, two addit ional charges were filed in Greenwood County: Interf erence with Law Enforcement and Permitting an Unauthorized Driver. According to the complaint, she allowed an unauthorized minor to drive and told law enforcement she was driving the vehicle after a traffic accident. In the July 15 edition of The Eureka Her a l d , it was reported that Bahr was driving, along with three juveni les, when the car left the roadway, struck a tree and came to rest on its passenger side. The same initials listed as the victim in the first complaint are noted as being the unauthorized driver in the second complaint.
Bahr is expected to appear for her first appearance hearing in Elk County on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 1:30 p.m. She is scheduled to appear in Greenwood County Court for her next hearing on Friday, September 25 at 1:30 p.m.
The investigation is ongoing, with developing stories expected in future publications.
(Courtesy photo) All suspects are to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
