A former substitute teacher who sexually assaulted an 11 year old has been sentenced to 10 years behind bars.

Alley Bardfield, who worked as a substitute at Decatur Public Schools in Illinois, was arrested in April 2024 at her home in Mt. Zion after the young boy helped police in a sting operation.

The 34 year old mother-of-three pleaded guilty to predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and admitted that she lured the sixth grader to her home for "play dates" before raping him. The news emerges after a married teacher, 34, raped 12-year-old boy before marrying him.

The incident came to light as the boy's mother noticed that he was "acting differently" following an overnight stay at the teacher's home from March 29 through March 30.

When the mother went through his phone and discovered text messages between her son and Bardfield she also found photos of them together, reports the Mirror US.

The teacher had also sent her son about $700 over the course of several months.

"[She] confronted her child about this situation and the child disclosed he had unprotected sexual intercourse with Alley Bardfield on the night of March 29," an arrest affidavit by Mt Zion Police read.

The son was taken to HSHS St John's Hospital, where staff administered a rape kit.

The boy told police that Barfield took him to her bedroom, where they kissed and she took off both of their clothes.

The boy was then sexually assaulted, the court heard.

It remains unclear why the boy was staying at his teacher's house while her family was away. 

Police hatched a plan with the boy and his mum to get Bardfield to incriminate herself in text messages and recorded calls with the lad.

As part of the plot, the lad texted the teacher that he was going out of town, but hoped to see her again when he returned.

"I love you and I miss you, Alley. When I come back, I'll see if I can come over," he penned.

Bardfield allegedly responded: "You're always welcome. I love and miss you too."

Officers also secured a court order for a wiretap and had the lad call the teacher later that day, when she told him her tubes are tied and that she cannot get pregnant.

"The victim asked Alley if he came over this weekend... if they could 'do it again'". Alley responded "Yes", the affidavit continued.

Bardfield was arrested at her home hours later. Body camera footage showed her appearing shocked as officers arrived at her door and took her into custody.

She then allegedly confessed to the crime, but claimed the lad had, "made sexual advances toward her."

The teacher also paid the lad via CashApp to exchange naked photographs, according to police.

Decatur Public Schools sacked Bardfield shortly after the allegations were made public, and she pleaded guilty as part of a deal 16 months later.

She was ultimately handed a 10-year prison sentence, with credit for time already served in custody - about 18 months - and half credit for time she has spent in Macon County Jail, roughly another 10 months.

The judge expressed his belief that the defendant, who wept throughout the proceedings and apologised, had potential for rehabilitation.

However, the verdict sparked outrage among the child's family, who promptly exited the courtroom following the sentencing.

Macon County State's Attorney Diane Couri also "wholeheartedly" backed her recommendation for a 40-year prison term.

"The Macon County State's Attorneys Office takes crimes against children very seriously and, as such, recommended a sentence appropriate to the offence," she stated.

"A victim of sex offences carries the burden of the trauma for the rest of their lives," Couri continued.

"As the defendant was in a position of trust as a substitute teacher, the level of egregiousness of this offence requires a substantial sentence."

She concluded by pledging that her office will, "continue to seek just sentences in cases where the victims are the most vulnerable."