Gary Wilson Hawkins
A College Street Elementary School teacher Gary Wilson Hawkins, 32, was booked into the Coffee County Jail on charges of child abuse Friday night.
Hawkins turned himself into the jail Friday with his attorney present. He is now free on $25,000 bond.
A witness came forward to authorities and described excessive bruises on Hawkins’ 12-year-old daughter’s back and buttocks area, according to Coffee County Sheriff Steve Graves. According the arrest warrant, the child suffered small abrasions on her buttocks, back, rear thigh, arms and hands. “The bruising was still apparent approximately 20 hours after the alleged incident,” the warrant states.
The warrant alleges that Hawkins “spanked” the child for making three “C’s” on her report card.
Sheriff’s investigator Jason Dendy who is investigating the incident presented the evidence to District Attorney General Mickey Layne, who instructed Dendy to obtain a warrant in the case.
Dr. Prater Powell Director of Manchester City Schools said Hawkins teaches CDC (Comprehensive Development Classroom), or special education, for grades four through six at the school.
Powell says that Hawkins is not at school this week. Powell added that Hawkins told Dr Lisa Yates the principal at College St. Elementary he was taking the week off.
Powell said he is working the school system attorney on what options the system has.
Hawkins appeared in Coffee County General Sessions Court Monday but his case was continued until Nov. 26.
