Friday, May 16, 2025

McDonald County High School science teacher charged with statutory rape


The McDonald County Prosecuting Attorney filed a statutory rape charge today against a McDonald County High School science teacher, who allegedly had sex with a high school student younger than 17 years old.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Joelle Stark (DOB 1984) with bond set at $10,000 surety.

From the probable cause statement:

On or about August 2016 through May 2018, the victim stated the suspect, who he identified as Joelle Stark, was a teacher of his when he was a student at the McDonald County High School.








He stated when he was in school and was a teacher assistant, Stark would put her hand on his {penis} while other students were doing their schoolwork.

He also stated when she was in charge of prom, she would write notes to get him out of class and would then take him to her residence in McDonald County and they would have sex. He also stated he would go to her classroom when no one was in there and would kiss her before going to his next class.

The case was investigated by the McDonald County Sheriff's Office.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why is the victim just now reporting this when it occurred 7/9 years ago?

Anonymous said...

If it has happened with other students then maybe it will take this one person that came forward to give them the courage to tell their story too.

Anonymous said...

Are you victim shaming?

Anonymous said...

Pretty weak affidavit.

Anonymous said...

No victim....

Anonymous said...

I agree there isn't a victim here just someone who got his little feelings hurt now that the relationship is over

Anonymous said...

Not really surprised, she was always so flirty with my guy classmates, especially the footballers.

Anonymous said...

I think he got what he wanted and got dumped so he's trying to hurt her why wait so. long

Anonymous said...

How would you feel if this was a male teacher & a female victim? I can't believe the double standard. If a court finds this did happen, she should receive the same punishment as a male teacher. What is wrong with people?

Anonymous said...

1101, there is a difference, it's called biology. Men are stronger, can handle these things better as well as refuse easier (if they actually don't want it). It shouldn't be happening either way, but we all know it's not exactly the same dynamics as a 35 yr old man with a teenage girl.

Anonymous said...

A pedophile is a pedophile - whether it is a man or a woman - they all need to go to jail. It shouldn't matter if a crime is committed today or 15+ years ago.

Stop the Double Standards - Just like a Crime is a Crime - it doesn't matter Race, Gender, Religion, Age of Participants, Date it happened - you commit a crime - You go to jail. When are you people going to realize there is a difference between right and wrong? Stop being so damn bias. THINK!!!

Anonymous said...

6:54AM, Stop making excuses - Wrong is Wrong - has nothing to do with Biology - that is just plain stupid. If a women shots someone and they die or man shots someone and they die - is the victim any less dead - OMG - WAKE UP CLUELESS...

Anonymous said...

These comments are disgusting and truly disheartening. Boys can be taken advantage of just like young girls. The stigma around this should be a thing of the past already. SMH.

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't call him a victim. I call him LUCKY.

Anonymous said...

You wouldn’t say this if it were a 17 yr old girl and male teacher