On Oct. 26, a Bethel Grand Jury indicted a sixth-grade teacher from Akiachak on 10 felony counts of sexual abuse and assault of a minor. The alleged abuse of a student began occurring in Akiachak over the summer, according to an affidavit from Alaska State Troopers.
Among the charges filed against John Mark Hammonds are: two counts of sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree, one count of sexual assault in the first degree, four counts of sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree, two counts of sexual assault in the second degree, and one count of enticement of a minor.
If convicted, Hammonds faces up to 99 years imprisonment per count. Hammonds is slated to be arraigned in Bethel on Nov. 2.