WHITE COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) — A middle school teacher has been arrested in White County for three counts of rape of a child.
During initial investigation, the Director of Schools, Kurt Dronebarger, placed 27-year-old Austin Damon Allen on leave pending the results.
On the night of Oct. 27, investigative efforts from the White County Sheriff's Office, the Department of Children's Services and the District Attorney's Office determined Austin Damon Allen had been engaging in sexual activity with a minor child.
The 27-year-old middle school teacher was charged with three counts of rape of a child and taken into custody in Cookeville before being transported to the White County Jail.
He is being held on a $750,000 dollar bond.
Dronebarger shared a statement with NewsChannel 5 regarding the situation:
White County Schools is shocked and deeply saddened by the news surrounding a former middle school teacher and our thoughts, prayers, and efforts are with the affected children, their families, and our school community. From the initial report, the teacher was suspended, removed from campus, and subsequently had his employment terminated. The school district is fully cooperating with authorities in their investigation and will work diligently to serve our community to navigate the waters in the wake of this deplorable incident. If anyone has information pertaining to this case, please contact the White County Sheriff’s Department. If you or a child are in need of counseling services, please contact the school system. This chapter is not a reflection of our school district and the incredible employees who lovingly serve students each day, and together, we will rebuild the trust and integrity that was damaged by the acts of one individual. As this is an ongoing investigation, the distrcit has no further comment at this time.
The Office of the District Attorney General and the White County Sheriff's Office say this investigation is still ongoing, and if you have any information regarding other potential victims you can call:
District Attorney General — (931)-528-5015
White County Sheriff's Office — (931)-836-2700
