Thursday, April 11, 2013
Murfreesboro Teacher Arrested On Local Sex Crimes
Law enforcement officials arrested a Murfreesboro teacher Thursday for allegedly engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a Lawrence County juvenile.
Agents with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department teamed with detectives with the Murfreesboro Police Department Thursday morning, questioning Lavar Ramania Jernigan, 35, of Christiana, Tennessee.
Jernigan, employed by Murfreesboro City Schools, assisted with the Loretto High School Band over the course of a few years.
This, authorities said, is where the relationship was initiated. He has since taught bands at three Murfreesboro schools. He was suspended of all duties Thursday pending the outcome of the investigation.
Jernigan was booked through the Lawrence County Detention Center on charges of solicitation of a minor and sexual exploitation of a minor. He was held in lieu of a $20,000 bond.
Investigators indicate that additional charges may be forthcoming locally as well as through Rutherford and other surrounding counties. Authorities in these counties are still working to identify any additional victims.
They urge anyone has been victimized or has information regarding Jernigan’s inappropriate relationships to contact them.
You may call the sheriff’s department by calling 931-762-3626 or the department’s Criminal Investigation Division directly at 931-762-1608.
