White House High School’s band director, 32-year-old Dalton Hawkins, was arrested May 27 and charged with statutory rape by an authority figure after deputies say they investigated an inappropriate relationship involving a minor student. District officials say Hawkins has been removed from his job and that Sumner County Schools is cooperating with law enforcement as the criminal case moves ahead.
How officials described the arrest
In a joint statement, Sumner County Schools and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office said deputies acted on information that led investigators to arrest Hawkins, as reported by WZTV/FOX17. The sheriff’s online inmate roster lists “HAWKINS, DALTON EDWARD” and shows booking information tied to the May 27 arrest, according to the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.
School and sheriff response
Sumner County Schools said Hawkins “was removed from his position at White House High School and will be terminated as an employee,” with Director of Schools Scott Langford stressing that student safety remains the district’s top concern. Sheriff Eric Craddock added, “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,” according to WZTV/FOX17.
Charges and booking details
The booking entry from the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office shows Hawkins is charged with statutory rape by an authority figure and is being held on a $600,000 bond. The roster lists the arrest date along with the charge. Investigators have not released additional information while the case remains an active investigation, according to the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.
What the law says
Under Tennessee law, “statutory rape by an authority figure” involves unlawful sexual penetration of a victim between 13 and 17 years old by someone at least four years older who uses a position of trust, authority, or supervision. The crime is classified as a Class B felony, with specific limits on probation and diversion spelled out in the Tennessee Code.
Local context and next steps
The case lands at a time of heightened scrutiny on school staff in Sumner County, following other recent investigations. Earlier this year, a Gallatin High School teacher was arrested in March on charges that included sexual battery involving three students, according to WSMV. Officials are urging anyone with information related to Hawkins’ case to contact the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 615-451-3838; both local coverage and the sheriff’s public pages list that number for tips, including reporting by WSMV.
