Two children accuse teacher's aide of taking advantage | News

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- Two children are accusing a Richmond teacher's aide of taking advantage of them sexually.

Family and friends of Alex Erby came to court in support of him. They say people need to hear all the evidence before they judge him.

Erby is the teacher's aide at G.H. Reid Elementary School in south Richmond now facing child sex charges.

"It was painful. It was very painful," says Reverend James Lewis, a friend of Erby's.

At the Oliver Hill Courts building, Reverend Lewis and Erby's two sons were overcome with emotion.

"I was in denial.  I really was" Rev. Lewis said. 

Erby faces two felony counts of taking indecent liberties with a child under his supervision.

Court documents show that the first incident happened in February with a child who is 10 years old. The second happened in March with a child who is 11.

In court, lawyers said Erby is a teacher, coach, father and husband. 

"I mean we're talking about one of the pillars of the community," said Lewis.

Richmond Public Schools said it does not comment on personnel issues. Some parents say school leaders should have done more.

"We should have been notified," said Anjennete Hodges, the parent of a student. "We haven't been notified. I'm just hearing about this today. So I'm very concerned about this issue."

Reverend Lewis hopes people will avoid jumping to conclusions about his friend.

"You know just like any member of your family, when you hear something about them you just don't immediately jump to conclusions and say they're wrong," he said.

He said supporters are holding onto their faith.

"I'm just praying for him, this whole situation, both sides of it. I don't know what's taken place."

Erby's next court date is May 16. The judge ordered an $80,000 bond for him.

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