Substitute teacher accused of raping teen is found dead in Missouri jail, officials say

A substitute teacher was found dead in his jail cell a week after being charged with raping a 14-year-old student in Missouri, officials say.

Brandon Holbrook, 30, faced “three counts of statutory rape second degree and six counts of statutory sodomy second degree,” McClatchy News reported. The St. Louis County Police Department announced his arrest on Sept. 19.

Officers say he was a substitute teacher at Bernard Middle School in St. Louis, where he met the 14-year-old victim.

“Through the investigation, it was learned that Holbrook engaged in sexual contact with the victim and made veiled threats if the victim disclosed the information,” police said.

He engaged in sexual acts with the student at the victim’s home, according to court documents obtained by KTVI. He allegedly groomed the victim over social media platforms.

Holbrook was found dead in his St. Louis jail cell on Monday, Sept. 26, said Doug Moore, the chief communications officer for St. Louis County,

There were “no signs of drug use or indications of suicide” in his cell. A cause of death has not been determined.

When police announced his arrest, officers believed there were additional victims. Holbrook was a substitute teacher at other school districts in the St. Louis area.

Anyone who believes they were victimized by Holbrook is asked to contact the St. Louis County Crimes Against Persons Detectives at 314-615-5400.

This story was originally published September 28, 2022 at 11:56 AM.