Emma Delaney Hancock, Wellston Public School Substitute Teacher for Sexual Abuse of a 15-Year-Old Student

A former Oklahoma substitute teacher was arrested on allegations of sexual abuse towards a teenage student. Emma Delaney Hancock, 26, was charged with lewd or indecent proposals or acts to a child under 16, soliciting sexual conduct or communication with a minor with technology, and obscene or indecent writings and pictures. The incident took place at the Wellston Public School, where Hancock was employed as a substitute teacher.

According to reports, the county sheriff’s office began investigating allegations of Hancock sending nude photos to a 15-year-old Wellston Public Schools student. The affidavit stated that the student had initially put his phone number into Hancock’s phone to get a class assignment. The same night, Hancock reached out to him on Snapchat with a friend request, and their conversations escalated from conversational to nude pictures and videos.

The student alleged that Hancock would kiss and touch him in her classroom during lunch breaks as they hid in closets and pantries. He also claimed that she would let him vape from her vape pen. The student disclosed the relationship to a friend, who inquired with Hancock about it. Initially, Hancock denied having any relationship with the 15-year-old, but later changed her story to say that they would not get caught.

Hancock’s husband, Alfred, is the police chief of Wellston, which is why the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) was asked to take the case. Furthermore, several Wellson residents said Hancock’s father is Wellston’s mayor.

The Wellston Public Schools became aware of the allegations in November and immediately removed Hancock from the substitute call list. The district also notified law enforcement officials and cooperated throughout the state’s investigation, according to the statement made by Wellston Public Schools Superintendent Mike Franz.

Hancock surrendered to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office last Thursday and posted bond. She now awaits trial for the charges filed against her. The incident has left the town of Wellston in shock, and the families of the victim and the accused are dealing with the consequences of this tragic event.