New Developments against Former Teacher Accused of Sexual Assault

By Kalisha Whitman
Alabama's13.com
January 19, 2012

http://www2.alabamas13.com/news/2012/jan/18/1/new-developments-against-former-teacher-accused-se-ar-3070640/

There are several new developments in the case against Daniel Acker, Jr., a former Shelby County teacher, who is accused of sexual assault.

More victims have come forward accusing him of sexually assaulting them. Wednesday, we learned a judge from outside Shelby County may have to hear the case.

The closer we get to Acker, Jr.'s preliminary hearing there is more potential for new and relevant information to surface. Currently, there are six different sexual abuse charges against - five of them involve a child less than 12 years old. At this point, no judge has stepped to the bench to hear the case.

Alabaster Police said 49-year-old Acker, Jr. confessed to sexually abusing more than 20 students in more than 20 years of teaching.

As his preliminary hearing approaches more information surfaced. Two Shelby County judges and the Shelby County district attorney have recused themselves from the sexual abuse case against Acker, Jr.

The community wants to bring awareness to sexual child abuse to prevent anyone from becoming another victim of sexual child abuse. Westwood Baptist Church in Alabaster - the same church that members of the Acker family attend - is hosting a forum on child safety.

We're told counselors and law enforcement officers will be there. The forum will focus on protecting children, identifying victims and even discussing why sexual child abuse may happen.

Currently Acker, Jr. remains in jail pending a $745,000.