Former Teacher Released on Bond

MINEOLA � A former Mineola teacher is free on bond today after being indicted on charges connected to an alleged inappropriate relationship with a child. Jo Ann Stephens, 43, was named in a five-count indictment Wednesday. She surrendered to authorities on Friday. Stephens was charged with two counts of sexual assault of a child, two counts of inappropriate relationship with a child, and one count of online solicitation. Each indictment carries a $25,000 bond.

Stephens was arrested last December following a four-month-long investigation. She was charged at the time with improper relationship with a student. The Mineola High School student has since graduated. Mineola police say they started the investigation after receiving a complaint from Child Protective Services on August 4. The incident with the student, who was said to have been 15 at the time, is said to have taken place in May of 2008. Following her arrest, Stephens resigned as physical education teacher at the elementary and middle school.