A 23-year-old Milwaukee woman is facing six felony charges after authorities say she entered Rufus King International High School posing as a substitute teacher and spent part of the school day making inappropriate and offensive remarks to students.
Amy L. Jones is charged with one count of impersonating a public employee and five counts of exposing a child to harmful descriptions. The allegations stem from an incident on Sept. 24 at the Milwaukee high school.
According to the criminal complaint, Jones arrived at the school and told office staff that she was a substitute teacher. She was then allowed into a classroom and taught students even though she was not employed by Milwaukee Public Schools or the agency that provides substitute teachers to the school.
The situation came to light after students began reporting Jones’ behavior to school staff. Several students also recorded portions of what happened in the classroom, giving investigators video evidence as they looked into the incident.
Students told police that Jones used profanity, racial slurs and sexually inappropriate language while addressing the class. She allegedly insulted students, including calling one student “fat,” and made comments about race and gender. Investigators also said she separated students based on race and gender during class.
In one classroom, students reported that Jones’ behavior changed after another teacher who had initially been present left the room. She allegedly continued making inappropriate comments and at one point asked students whether anyone had marijuana because she considered the class boring.
The incident lasted through more than one class period before school officials realized Jones was not a legitimate substitute. She was eventually escorted from the building.
School officials later contacted the substitute-teacher agency and confirmed that Jones was not assigned to the school. Investigators also learned that Jones had previously attended Rufus King.
The complaint says the school had several staff absences that day, leaving a substitute position unfilled. That staffing situation appears to have helped Jones get into the classroom after she represented herself as a substitute teacher.
Police interviewed Jones on Sept. 30. According to investigators, she acknowledged that she had impersonated a teacher and did not have training or experience as a substitute teacher.
When asked why she went to the school, Jones reportedly said she was bored and wanted to “f— around.” She also told investigators that she expected the incident might make her famous.
Milwaukee Public Schools has been investigating the incident separately. School officials have said they are taking steps to ensure Rufus King remains a safe environment for students and staff.
Jones appeared in Milwaukee County court on Oct. 6. A court commissioner found probable cause for the case to continue and set a $5,000 signature bond. She was also ordered not to contact Rufus King or students identified in the complaint.
The case is now moving forward in court, with Jones’ preliminary hearing scheduled for Oct. 20. She remains subject to the court’s conditions while the allegations are pending.
The allegations against Jones have not been proven in court. The criminal case remains ongoing.
