Mike Stunson
The Charlotte Observer
A substitute teacher was found dead in his jail cell a week after being charged with raping a 14-year-old student in Missouri, reports say.
Brandon Holbrook, 30, faced “three counts of statutory rape second degree and six counts of statutory sodomy second degree,” McClatchy News reported. The St. Louis County Police Department announced his arrest on Sept. 19.
Officers say he was a substitute teacher at Bernard Middle School in St. Louis, where he met the 14-year-old victim.
“Through the investigation, it was learned that Holbrook engaged in sexual contact with the victim and made veiled threats if the victim disclosed the information,” police said.
He engaged in sexual acts with the student at the victim’s home, according to court documents obtained by KTVI. He allegedly groomed the victim over social media platforms.
Holbrook was found dead in his St. Louis jail cell on Monday, Sept. 26, according to KSDK.
The St. Louis Post Dispatch reported that there were “no signs of drug use or indications of suicide” in his cell. A cause of death has not been determined.
When police announced his arrest, officers believed there were additional victims. Holbrook was a substitute teacher at other school districts in the St. Louis area.
Anyone who believes they were victimized by Holbrook is asked to contact the St. Louis County Crimes Against Persons Detectives at 314-615-5400.
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