Pre-trial hearing is set for former Administrator of Horatio High School for sexual assault case

A former Horatio High School administrator charged last year for allegedly maintaining a sexual relationship with a student has been found fit to proceed as a defendant in the case following a mental health evaluation.

Labrada Vann, age 41, was arrested in April of 2022 on a felony count of first-degree sexual assault. During the time of the alleged incident Vann served as the vice-principal for Horatio High School. She has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

According to court records, Vann’s attorneys sought a mental health evaluation to determine if she could stand trial in the sexual assault case. The evaluation was conducted in February and results returned earlier this month state that Vann was deemed fit to continue as a defendant.

The evaluation was performed by a psychologist of the Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services.

According to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, investigators were contacted by the Arkansas Crimes Against Children Hotline in April of last year in reference to a possible inappropriate relationship between Vann and a student. The sheriff’s office then began an investigation into the allegations. An arrest warrant was then issued for Vann.

Vann posted a $100,000 bond following her arraignment later that month. Vann is currently expected to return to the Sevier County Circuit Court on April 27 for a pre-trial hearing. If she maintains her not-guilty plea, a trial is scheduled for early May. Upon a conviction, the charge of first-degree sexual assault carries a prison sentence of six to 30 years.