Second Gym Teacher On The Take

A second middle school teacher accused of letting students sit out gym class in exchange for paying a daily $1 bribe has been arrested.

Tamara B. Tootle, 39, is facing six counts of bribery, the Escambia County Sheriff's Office said. She turned herself in late Thursday night after warranties were issued for her arrest, said Mike Ward, a spokesman for the sheriff's office. She was later released on bond.

Between August 2004 and May 2005, Tootle told students at Ernest Ward Middle School that they did not have to dress for her physical education class, but would still receive a 100 percent for participation if they gave her $1, authorities said.

Tootle resigned before the warrant was issued, said Ronnie Arnold, Escambia County School District spokesman. Tootle does not have a listed phone number, and jail and sheriff's records do not list an attorney for her.

Terence Braxton, 28, of Atmore, Ala., a former teacher at the same school, was arrested in February on bribery charges. Officials said he could have made thousands of dollars by pulling the same stunt.

Braxton has a court appearance scheduled for May 3.

Authorities began investigating after students informed principal Nancy Gindl-Perry of what was going on.

Arnold said he does not believe any other teachers were involved.

"Hopefully, this closes a sad chapter," he said.

Arnold said investigators learned about Tootle's activities from Braxton.