Former Rhea Middle teacher charged with statutory rape

Billy Hoffman, a Rhea Middle teacher charged with statutory rape.
Billy Hoffman, a Rhea Middle teacher charged with statutory rape.
photo Billy Hoffman, a Rhea Middle teacher charged with statutory rape.
A former Rhea County middle school teacher has been arrested for having an improper relationship with a student, according to officials.

The former seventh-grade teacher, Billy Hoffman, 39, is charged with two counts of aggravated statutory rape by an authority figure and two counts of aggravated statutory rape, according to Rhea County Sheriff's Detective Rocky Potter.

Hoffman turned himself in today on a grand jury indictment charging him with the offenses.

Potter said he was notified of the suspicious relationship by the principal of Rhea County Middle School in early May. The detective said the principal had a conversation with Hoffman while investigating the initial allegation of impropriety and felt authorities should take a hand in the matter.

Hoffman is free on bond and has an upcoming date in Criminal Court.

Contact staff writer Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com ortwitter.com/BenBenton or www.facebook.com/ben.benton1 or 423-757-6569.

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