Huntsville, Arkansas, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Audra Kimball, a former superintendent, and Kaleb Houston, a junior high basketball coach, are facing charges for failing to report allegations of student sexual abuse. The charges stem from an investigation into player-on-player abuse within the Huntsville Junior High basketball team. Arkansas law mandates that educators report suspected child maltreatment, with failure to do so leading to a Class A misdemeanor charge. The case has raised significant concerns regarding accountability in safeguarding students, with initial court appearances scheduled soon.
Huntsville, Arkansas
A former superintendent and a junior high basketball coach from the Huntsville School District have been charged with failing to report allegations of student sexual abuse. Audra Kimball and Kaleb Houston face charges for their alleged inaction as mandated reporters, following accusations of player-on-player sexual abuse within the junior high basketball team.
The allegations, which involve disturbing incidents described as “baptisms” and “bean-dipping,” stem from an investigation under Title IX, aimed at addressing sexual misconduct in educational settings. According to Arkansas law, teachers and school administrators are required to report any suspected child maltreatment to the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline. Not reporting such abuse can result in a Class A misdemeanor charge.
The formal investigation commenced after a parent lodged a complaint against the school officials and coach on October 22, 2021. Initial inquiries into the allegations were abruptly closed; however, further evidence prompted Prosecution Attorney Matt Durrett to reopen the case.
As part of the ongoing investigation, Huntsville High School Principal Roxanne Enix and Director of Athletics Tom McCollough are similarly scrutinized in relation to the case. Reports indicate that Enix was made aware of the allegations on February 9, 2021, and took actions to involve district and school officials at that time.
The district initiated its investigation by interviewing coaches on February 22, 2021, following a concerning alert from the former school board President, Danny Thomas. Text messages exchanged between Thomas and Kimball revealed that they were cognizant of the severity of the situation and discussed the potential legal ramifications involved.
Despite being informed of the claims, Kimball reportedly sought legal counsel regarding the Title IX situation and delayed reporting to the hotline while seeking to confirm the allegations’ credibility. Investigations by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office began in June 2021, following media reports highlighting the accusations after initial delays in action.
A newly formed school board has accepted liability regarding the absence of action on the accusations and recognized their obligation to prevent similar abuses in the future. Initial appearances concerning the charges against Kimball and Houston are tentatively scheduled for October 6 in Madison County District Court.
This incident emphasizes the critical nature of promptly reporting suspected child abuse and the legal obligations imposed on mandated reporters in educational institutions. The charges against the former officials reflect the broader implications of accountability in safeguarding the well-being of students.
Key Information Summary
- Individuals Charged: Audra Kimball (former superintendent), Kaleb Houston (former junior high basketball coach)
- Charges: Failing to notify as mandated reporters in the first degree
- Involved Parties Under Investigation: Roxanne Enix (Principal), Tom McCollough (Director of Athletics)
- Incident Reported: Allegations of player-on-player sexual abuse in Huntsville Junior High School basketball team
- Initial Complaint Filed: October 22, 2021
- Arkansas Reporting Law: Mandates reporting suspected child maltreatment to the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline
- Penalties: Class A misdemeanor for failing to report
- Court Date: Tentatively set for October 6 in Madison County District Court
FAQ Section
What are the charges against Audra Kimball and Kaleb Houston?
They have been charged with failing to notify by mandated reporters in the first degree.
What incidents led to these charges?
The charges stem from Title IX investigations regarding allegations of player-on-player sexual abuse involving the Huntsville Junior High School basketball team.
How did the investigation begin?
The investigation began when a parent filed a complaint against the administrators and coach on October 22, 2021.
What is Arkansas law regarding reporting suspected child maltreatment?
Arkansas law mandates that teachers and school administrators report suspected child maltreatment to the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline. Failure to report such abuse can result in a Class A misdemeanor charge.
When is the court date for the initial appearances related to the charges?
A court date for initial appearances related to the charges is tentatively scheduled for October 6 in Madison County District Court.
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Additional Resources
- NWA Online: Madison County Man Arrested
- Arkansas Advocate: Citations Issued in Huntsville School District Abuse Case
- NWA Homepage: Sheriff Refutes Claims in Taylor Barksdale Case
- Google Search: Huntsville Arkansas School Abuse Case
- Wikipedia: Title IX
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
