Tennessee Teacher and Girl

(White Bluff, Tennessee) A 36-year-old teacher and softball coach at William James Middle School, Julie E. Petty, was arrested Monday night for allegedly engaging in sex with a 14-year-old female student. Petty has been charged with sexual battery by an authority figure and sexual rape by an authority figure.

According to Dickson County Schools Director Charlie Daniel, Petty has been suspended without pay. Petty only recently began working for the school system after being hired through a contract employment agency. Daniel said a background check was performed.

Petty was booked into custody and, as of Tuesday night, languishes in jail in lieu of $250,000 bail. If convicted of the charges, Petty potentially faces two six-year prison terms.


[Update 09/01/07]

Petty indicted.