White House High School band director charged with rape
SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. – A White House High School band director is being terminated from his position after being charged with rape.
According to a social media statement by Sumner County Schools, the former band director, 32-year-old Dalton Hawkins, was arrested by the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday.
The statement further says the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office received information on May 27 that Hawkins was engaged in an “inappropriate relationship with a minor student.” Upon further investigation, the district says Hawkins was arrested and charged with statutory rape.
“Every child deserves to feel safe in their community, and we will continue working tirelessly to hold offenders accountable and protect the most vulnerable members of our county,” stated Sheriff Eric Craddock.
Hawkins has been removed as the White House High School’s band director, and his employment will be terminated, according to Sumner County Schools.
Superintendent Scott Langford said, “Our first priority is always the safety of our students, and we stand with Sheriff Craddock and his deputies in pursuing all criminal charges to the fullest extent of the law.”
Sumner County Schools states it is working with the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office to cooperate and assist in the investigation. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office at 615-451-3838.
