Vernal teacher charged with sex abuse of student

VERNAL — A veteran teacher at Vernal Junior High School has been charged with nine felonies related to the alleged sexual abuse of a student.

Norman Ray Bernard appeared in 8th District Court Monday to hear the charges against him. He faces five counts of forcible sex abuse, a second-degree felony, and four counts of sexual abuse of a minor, a class A misdemeanor.

Bernard, 57, was arrested Jan. 20, one week after the Uintah School District was informed of the alleged abuse and notified the Vernal Police Department.

In charging documents obtained by the Deseret News, police say they interviewed a 14-year-old girl who said she and Bernard began "an intimate relationship" in October. The girl told investigators she and Bernard met in the school theater many times and kissed.

During at least two of those encounters, Bernard fondled the girl and once performed a sex act, the charges state. Investigators said the girl also told them that during the Christmas break she and Bernard communicated by text message on at least four occasions while they were both bathing at their separate homes.

Police said they had the girl call Bernard as part of their interview with her and recorded the conversation. The charges state that the girl told Bernard she did not want to get him in trouble and he "actually told the female victim to lie to police if questioned."

"Norman Bernard further told the victim that he loved her and that the two needed to stick together through this event," the charges state, indicating that Bernard made "some incriminating statements" during the phone call regarding the alleged sexual contact with the girl.

Bernard, who has been an educator for 23 years, teaches social studies and drama. He was placed on administrative leave Jan. 13 after someone notified school district officials that he had allegedly been involved in an inappropriate relationship with a student.

Bernard's bail is set at $57,400. He remains in the Uintah County Jail.

Authorities have said there is no indication Bernard was involved with any other students. However, they said any additional allegations of misconduct should be reported to the Vernal Police Department at 435-789-5835.

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