County School Personnel Director Charged in Sex Cases

A former principal who’s now the personnel director for Jefferson County schools is facing charges of having sex with students in two counties.

Authorities say 39-year-old Brett William Kirkham was arrested Thursday in Tuscaloosa on charges of being a school employee and having sex with a student younger than 19. He’s also facing obscenity charges.

Jefferson County officials say Kirkham also faces charges there. Prosecutor Bill Veitch says the man allegedly had a relationship for at least five years with a male who is no longer a student.

Kirkham is on paid leave from his job as personnel director of Jefferson County schools. The Decatur native previously was a teacher and principal in Hueytown.

Court records aren’t yet available to show whether Kirkham has a lawyer.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)