Lisa Marchesoni
Posted: Thursday, December 4, 2008 4:31 pm

LANCASTER

Grand jurors indicted a Blackman High School teacher on multiple counts of solicitation of a minor.

Blackman English teacher Jason Lancaster, 36, was indicted on three counts of solicitation of a minor to commit aggravated statutory rape, three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and four counts of solicitation of a minor to commit statutory rape by an authority figure.

Sheriff’s Detective Mickey McCullough presented evidence before grand jurors who returned the indictments Wednesday. Lancaster turned himself in Thursday afternoon to the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.

McCullough said he received complaints of inappropriate behavior of Lancaster toward students in early October when he launched his investigation.

"The allegations were of inappropriate contact with children of a sexual nature," McCullough said.

He could not comment more on the specifics of the case.

Rutherford County schools suspended Lancaster in October after receiving a report of allegations of improper sexual conduct through electronic communications with two female students at the school.

Staff attorney Angel McCloud said Lancaster remains suspended.

“He is still suspended without pay and will be until the outcome of the prosecution,” McCloud said.

Lancaster has been with Rutherford County Schools for 15 years. He previously taught English at Riverdale High School, where he started in 1993. His personnel file shows no prior reprimands or disciplinary actions of any kind.

His bond was set at $40,000. He is scheduled to receive copies of the indictments Dec. 15 before Circuit Court Judge Don Ash.