School band director charged with rape in connection to alleged inappropriate relationship with student

WHITE HOUSE, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) - The band director at a Tennessee high school is facing charges in connection with an alleged inappropriate relationship with a student, according to district officials and the local sheriff’s office.

White House High School band director Dalton Hawkins was arrested by deputies after the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office learned of the allegation.

Hawkins has been charged with statutory rape. He is being held on a $600,000 bond.

“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,” Sumner County Sheriff Eric Craddock said.

Hawkins has since been removed from his position at the school and will be terminated as a district employee.

“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 School District Superintendent Scott Langford said.

The district is working with the sheriff’s office in the investigation.