Neal teacher, student arrested

A W.S. Neal High School senior and a W.S. Neal Elementary School special education teacher have been arrested on felony computer tampering charges in wake of an investigation about grade changes that still leaves questions as to whether a valedictorian, salutatorian or Top 10 will be named prior to Neal's May 22 graduation.

Matthew Keith Hutchins, 18, 420 Travis Road, Brewton, and Lisa Carolyn Odom 58, 1204 Merritt Road, Castleberry, were both arrested by agents with the Alabama Attorney General's Office.

In Hutchins' arrest warrant it states the student gained access into the school computer using Assistant Principal Coy Campbell's credentials to change his third nine weeks English grade from a 92 to a 96.

Odom is accused of accessing the computer using stolen log-in credentials belonging to Campbell to modify the grades and transcripts of multiple students at W.S. Neal High School.

Both suspects were released on $5,000 bond.

Senior classmates of Hutchins rallied together Tuesday evening to show their support for their classmate who they say is innocent of the charges.

"We know his character," said Trent Ikner. "We've been raised together since kindergarten. He's innocent and sooner or later the truth will come out."

Ikner said when he first heard Hutchins had been arrested he said "No, this is not Matt."

"We know him as a person," Ikner said. "We know him as a brother and we know he didn't do this."

Classmate Jashira Dees echoed Ikner's sentiments, saying none of the students believe Hutchins had anything to do with changing grades.

"We're here to support Matt," she said of Tuesday's gathering.

Hutchins said he was blessed to have such friends and classmates to show their support.

"I'm innocent," Hutchins said. "I have done nothing wrong. But I'm really thankful for the support I've received from my classmates and the community."

Hutchins said he hadn't heard anything from the school and he plans to take his exams and graduate.

Superintendent John Knott confirmed Wednesday that Odom has been placed on paid administrative leave pending other action. He would not comment on Hutchins' status.

Knott did say the investigation into the grade changing is continuing and said if there are others involved he will push for accountability.

With the May 22 W.S. Neal High School graduation fast approaching, Knott said Wednesday it was still his goal to have the valedictorian and salutatorian and the Top 10 in place.

District Attorney Steve Billy said computer tampering is a Class C felony that carries a prison term of a year and a day to 10 years.