White House High School Band Director Arrested, Charged With Statutory Rape
WHITE HOUSE, TENNESSEE (SMOKEY BARN NEWS): White House High School Band Director Dalton Hawkins was arrested Wednesday and charged with statutory rape following an investigation by the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.
Below is a joint statement released by Sumner County Schools and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.
JOINT STATEMENT FROM SUMNER COUNTY SCHOOLS AND SUMNER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE REGARDING DALTON HAWKINS ARREST
On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, White House High School Band Director Dalton Hawkins was arrested by the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sumner County Sheriff’s Office received information on Wednesday that Mr. Hawkins was engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a minor student. Upon further investigation, Mr. Hawkins was arrested and charged with statutory rape.
“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.”
— Sheriff Eric Craddock
Mr. Hawkins has been removed as the White House Band Director and will be terminated as an employee of Sumner County Schools.
Superintendent Scott Langford said, “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 Schools is working with the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office to cooperate and assist in the investigation.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office at 615-451-3838. 
