Choral director at William Tennent High School faces sex charges

The director of the William Tennent High School choral group has been charged with multiple sex-related offenses against students, including unlawful contact, corruption of minors, indecent assault, and lewd and threatening behavior.

Tyrone Dinkins, 37, a member of the school's music department since 2001, was arraigned Tuesday in connection with alleged incidents involving eight students during the 2011-12 school year.

The charges were filed as the choral group is in England and Ireland to perform during the Olympic Games, including concerts Monday in Dublin and Wednesday in London.

District Judge Daniel J. Finello Jr. set bail at $800,000, and Dinkins was taken to the Bucks County prison on 16 charges, including two felony counts of unlawful contact with minors, and misdemeanor charges including corruption of minors, indecent assault, and harassment with lewd and threatening behavior.

Warminster Township police began their investigation after receiving a complaint just before the school year ended of inappropriate contact between a teacher and several students, Chief S. Michael Murphy and Bucks County District Attorney David Heckler said Monday in a statement.

Police worked with the Centennial School District to look into the allegations against Dinkins, of Oreland, Montgomery County.

A 16-year-old girl told police that Dinkins "touched her buttocks" and made lewd comments on five occasions, once telling her "she looked like his own personal Playboy bunny," according to the arrest affidavit.

Another girl, also 16, made similar accusations.

Another student said Dinkins sent her text messages several times, once telling her "she looked pretty in her dress."

Two students said Dinkins had grabbed or touched their breasts, according to the affidavit.

Investigators said Dinkins admitted some of the behavior, including flirting with some of the students, mouthing words of a sexual nature to students, patting students on the buttocks, and "pinching a female student's breast while at school," according to the affidavit.

School officials quickly put Dinkins on administrative leave.

"Our students' safety and welfare are always our primary concern," said a note posted by Centennial superintendent Jennifer Cressman on the school's website. The district "is extremely concerned by the very serious allegations against high school choral director Mr. Tyrone Dinkins."

The district said it was cooperating with police.

Counselors, school psychologists, and social workers are being made available to students and staff members. The administration said they would be available to meet with parents, staff, and students.