PELL CITY — A high school teacher’s aide was released last week from the St. Clair County Jail on a $2,500 bond after being arrested for second-degree rape.According to a St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department arrest report and court documents, Anthony Eugene Tollison, 27, 1125 Old Coal City Road, Pell City, was arrested for the second-degree rape of a juvenile female.
District Attorney Richard Minor said a grand jury, which convened two weeks ago in Pell City, indicted Tollison for the second-degree rape of someone of the opposite sex who was younger than 16 but older than 12.
Minor said second-degree rape is a Class B felony and, if convicted, Tollison could face two to 20 years in prison.
Pell City Schools Superintendent Dr. Bobby Hathcock said Tollison works as a teacher’s aide with special education students at the high school.
Hathcock said Monday he was unaware an employee with the School System was arrested for second-degree rape.
“I don’t know anything about it,” he said. “I don’t know him.”
Authorities said the rape was not connected with Tollison’s job at the high school or with the Pell City School System.
“It did not occur on school grounds,” Minor said. “The criminal allegation has no relationship to his employment or with the Pell City School System.”
Efforts to reach Tollison for immediate comment Monday were unsuccessful. A man who answered the telephone number Tollison provided to authorities and who identified himself as Tollison’s father referred all questions to Pell City attorney Tommie Wilson.
Wilson was not available for immediate comment late Monday.
Hathcock said he would consult with the board’s attorney as to what steps the board might take in the matter.
Tollison is expected to appear in court Monday, July 30, for his arraignment.
