Lafayette teacher arrested for alleged misconduct with a minor

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A band teacher in the Lafayette Catholic School System has been suspended for alleged misconduct with a minor in another county.

According to Columbus Police Public Information Officer Matt Myers, the police department received a complaint from a teenage girl on August 7th.

According to Myers, the teenager stated that there had been inappropriate contact between herself and Darren Williams. Myers said upon investigation, they were able to get an arrest warrant for Williams and were able to make a preliminary arrest on Tuesday evening.

According to Myers, Williams faces a preliminary charge of Disseminating a Material Harmful to Minors.

"He was arrested there in Lafayette and then transported back to the Bartholomew County Jail where he was remanded on that preliminary charge, which is a D felony," said Myers. "The range for  D felony is a half a year to to three years, and, or, a $10,000 fine."
 
Myers said the investigation is on going, and they are working in conjunction with Lafayette Police.

NewsChannel 18 reached out to Central Catholic Administrators on Thursday, who said they have no further comment then what was released in a letter to parents and students on Wednesday.

The letter sent to parents said Williams was arrested Tuesday night and transported to Bartholomew County.

The letter also said Williams has been suspended from his duties at Lafayette Catholic School System, effective immediately pending the investigation.

The letter wraps up by saying the school system has very high expectations for faculty, staff, and students. They will take all action necessary to provide the best children to grow and learn.

Central Catholic Junior and Senior High School principal Joe Brettnacher confirmed Wednesday evening, the letter was accurate.

According to the Lafayette Diocese website, there was a Darren Williams hired last fall at Central Catholic Junior and Senior High School.