Teacher faces sexual battery charge
Published 9:34 pm Friday, August 1, 2014
A drama teacher at Hancock High School arrested earlier this month on a charge of sexual battery is now facing an additional charge of sexual battery while in a position of trust or authority in Harrison County.
Sheriff’s Major Ron Pullen tells The Sun Herald 42-year-old Hiram Jay Coker initially was arrested April 11 in Hancock County after allegations of him having sex with a 16-year-old student. Pullen says a subsequent investigation revealed Coker allegedly had sex with the girl at a Gulfport motel as well, resulting in the additional charge of sexual battery
The latest arrest warrant was issued for Coker at the Hancock County jail on Monday, where he has been held on a $100,000 bond.
It was unclear whether Coker has an attorney.
