Deputies: Teacher Charged with Raping Boy
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CHESTER COUNTY, Tenn. — A West Tennessee teacher and preacher is jailed, charged with raping a young boy. Investigators said Randy Hart, 46, a teacher at Scotts Hill High School and professed Baptist minister, will make his first court appearance Tuesday. “I mean if you can’t trust your preachers or your teachers, who can you trust your kids with?” Teresa McPeake, said who is raising her grandson, and added she cannot believe the math teacher at Scotts Hill High School has been arrested. Chester County deputies have charged him with aggravated statutory rape and solicitation of aggravated statutory rape. “I was very disappointed. I’ve always known Randy for a long, long time. I’ve always respected him. He’s a preacher and he’s always taught school.” McPeake said. Deputies said he contacted the minor through a smartphone app and arranged the meeting in Henderson earlier this month. Steve Wilkinson, the director of Henderson County Schools, said he cannot believe the news. “Shocked. I guess because Mr. Hart, I think, he’s worked his entire career with Henderson County Schools. I know he’s a 25 year veteran,” he added. Wilkinson said his main concern is his students. “We want to provide a safe atmosphere for all children, staff alike. So anything we can do, we’re willing to cooperate and come to the truth. We just want the truth, whatever that would be,” Wilkinson said. According to the Scotts Hill High School website, Hart is a husband, dad and Baptist minster. McPeake said she worries about how his arrest will affect her granchildren’s trust in authority. “A man in there that’s their teacher and they can’t trust, you know? What are they going to think of the other teachers?,” McPeake said. Wilkinson said Hart is suspended without pay pending the investigation. He will make his first court appearance on Tuesday, where he will be officially charged and have a bond set. Chester County deputies are not ruling out the possibility of more victims. They are asking anyone who has had, or knows someone who has had inappropriate contact with Hart, give them a call at (731) 989-9066.
