A White County Middle School teacher was arrested Friday night (10/27/23) and charged with the rape of a child.
According to a press release on District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway’s Facebook page, the DA’s Office, the White County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Children’s services began investigating allegations of inappropriate behavior by a male White County Middle School teacher earlier in the week.
Upon learning of the initial allegations, the White County Director of Schools suspended 27-year-old Austin Damon Allen from his teaching position, placing him on leave pending the results of the investigation.
Friday night warrants were issued in White County charging Austin Damon Allen, of Cookeville, with three (3) counts of Rape of a Child.
Allen was booked into the White County jail and held on a $750,000 bond.
This investigation is active and on-going. Anyone with information regarding other potential victims is asked to call the DA’s Office at 931-528-5015 or the White County Sheriffs Office at 931-836-2700.
* See statement from White County Director of Schools below picture
(Photo courtesy District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway’s Facebook page)
The following was posted to whitecoschool.net
District Update
Posted by Kurt Dronebarger 10.28.23
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 district has no further comment at this time.
With great sorrow,
Kurt Dronebarger
Director of Schools