Arrest warrant issued for Norman teacher accused of enabling child sexual abuse
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office is searching for a Norman teacher who is accused of enabling child sexual abuse.
According to the CCSO, 47-year-old Valerie Ann Hartless, who is a teacher with Norman Public Schools, is wanted on felony charge of enabling child sexual abuse. Court records show the warrant was issued for Hartless on Thursday, March 27.
An affidavit obtained by News 4 says that the case stems from allegations of sexual abuse against 59-year-old Michael Hogue, Hartless' ex-husband.
Court documents allege Hogue inappropriately touched Hartless' 15-year-old daughter in their home on several occasions between July 2015 and December 2016. The Cleveland County District Attorney's Office decline to file charges in 2017, but CCSO investigators reopened the investigation in 2025.
Court records show an arrest warrant was also issued for Hogue on Thursday for lewd or indecent acts to a child under 16.
The victim reportedly told Hartless about Hogue touching her inappropriately, but Hartless brushed off her concerns and told her daughter's friend that there was nothing she could do until her divorce with Hogue was settled.
As a result of Hartless' alleged inaction, a warrant was issued for her arrest.
Hartless is believed to be traveling in either a black 2017 Ford F-150 with license plate number PSJ778, or a black 2013 Ford Edge with license plate number KAQ802.
Anyone with information on Hartless' whereabouts should contact the CCSO at 405-701-8888.
Norman Public Schools sent News 4 the following statement regarding the allegations against Hartless.
District officials were made aware that a "Be On the Lookout" (BOLO) has been issued for Valerie Hartless. Norman Public Schools (NPS) is cooperating with law enforcement regarding this matter. The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office has informed us that the charges against her are not related to her employment with NPS. As is standard procedure in such situations, Ms. Hartless has been placed on administrative leave. The district will also conduct a full internal administrative investigation. Ms. Hartless is a temporary employee and will not return to work this year.
Because this is a personnel matter and an ongoing criminal investigation, we cannot provide further comment at this time, except to emphasize that this situation does not involve Norman Public Schools, Adams, or its students. Inquiries regarding this case or the charges should be directed to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office.
Norman Public Schools