A Franklin County grand jury has indicted former Franklin County High School teacher Herbert Ely Maze Jr. on sex-related charges involving a minor, turning a quiet career and technical education classroom into the center of a high-profile criminal case. Maze, who taught construction courses in the district’s career and technical education program, was arrested earlier this month and is being held in the county jail as the case moves through the courts. School and local officials say they are cooperating with investigators, although they are keeping most case details out of public view for now.
Indictment Details
Court records show Maze was indicted on counts that include sexual battery by an authority figure and solicitation of a minor, according to The Herald-Chronicle. The filings allege Maze was in a position of trust or had supervisory or disciplinary power over the victim and used that power to accomplish sexual contact. Other specifics of the accusations were not released with the indictment.
Arrest and School Response
Local reporting says Maze, identified in some accounts by the nickname “Toby,” was arrested on May 4 and remains in custody without bond while he awaits court proceedings. As reported by 931Go, the Franklin County School District said Maze resigned at the conclusion of the 2024–25 school year and emphasized that student safety is its top priority.
Alleged Timeframe
According to court records reviewed by The Herald-Chronicle, the charges stem from alleged actions taken between September 2024 and March 23, 2026. Authorities have not publicly identified any victims or detailed the evidence that was presented to the grand jury.
Legal Context
Under Tennessee law, sexual battery by an authority figure, where an adult with supervisory or custodial power uses that position to accomplish sexual contact with someone 13 to 17 years old, is codified at TCA § 39-13-527 and is classified as a Class C felony. The state’s solicitation statute, TCA § 39-13-528, makes it unlawful for an adult to solicit a minor to engage in certain sexual offenses and carries penalties that vary depending on the conduct alleged.
What Happens Next
The case remains under active investigation and is expected to continue moving through the local court system in the coming weeks. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Prosecutors are likely to release additional details as the case advances.
