Troy professor charged with sex abuse

DOTHAN, Ala. — A Troy University Dothan campus professor has been charged with sexual abuse involving a student.
Dothan Police arrested Ronald Phillip Bae, 62, of Cottonwood, Ala. on Wednesday and charged him with felony first-degree sexual abuse.
Police said Bae had inappropriate sexual contact with a 21-year-old female.
The university confirmed that the woman involved was a student enrolled at the Dothan campus.
Dothan Police Capt. Steve Parrish said the crime allegedly happened at Bae’s business. Bae owns a business near downtown Dothan called Bae Polygraph & Hypnosis Center.
Bae has worked at Troy University for more than 20 years and is a professor of criminal justice.
Tom Davis, a university spokesperson, said Bae was being placed on paid administrative leave pending further review.
“Any final decision regarding suspension or termination will be made pending the outcome of the case,” Davis said in an e-mail.
Bae earned his doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi.
He earned his undergraduate degrees from the University of Evansville in Indiana. Bae is also a member of the Georgia, Florida and Alabama polygraph associations.
Bae was released from custody Wednesday after he posted a $15,000 bond.
If convicted of the felony charge, first-degree sex abuse, Bae faces 10 to 99 years or life in prison.
Billy Joe Sheffield II, the attorney retained to represent Bae, said his client has denied any wrongdoing.