WMC-TV: News, Weather, Traffic, Radar, and Sports for Memphis, TN; WMCTV.com | Lake County teacher off the job after alleged sex with student

Lake County teacher off the job after alleged sex with student

At Lake County High School, the chemistry teacher is in trouble with the law.

Tracy Hinson was arrested and charged with misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Lake County Sheriff's Department Lt. John Moore said Hinson traded intimate and inappropriate text messages with a 16-year-old boy.

"The warrant was served," he said. "Miss Hinson was brought to the jail."

One of Hinson's former students, who did not want to be identified for fear of community backlash, said she had been suspicious of Hinson for years.

"I have spoken with some classmates of mine after hearing that she had been arrested and they all wonder what took so long," the former student said.

Meanwhile, others defend Tracy Hinson, including another former student who called her a caring teacher, as well as a caring wife and mother.

Parents say Hinson is a well-liked and deeply involved teacher, but according to Moore, the case against her is wide open.

"Out investigators are still looking at some other matters," Moore said. "Nothing definite."

In the meantime, Lake County Schools superintendent Joey Hassell said Hinson was suspended without pay.

"Our first priority in Lake County Schools is the students," he said.

Hinson will remain off the job, without pay, while the school system investigates the charges against her.

Click here to send an email to Nick Kenney.