Lawrence teachers charged with sexual battery

IRONTON -- Two Lawrence County teachers were arrested Friday on charges that they had inappropriate sexual contact with female students.

Donald Clark Jr., 29, a teacher in the Chesapeake School District, and Scott A. Jones, 37, a Rock Hill High School band teacher, both were charged with third-degree felony counts of sexual battery.

Reports on both arrests from the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office say investigations started Wednesday, stemming from contacts from the Lawrence County Department of Children's Services. Police say the two incidents do not appear to be related.

In the case of Jones, the report states the investigation has identified two female teenage victims. The report also says that Jones is on administrative leave due to the allegations.

Jones will be arraigned in the Ironton Municipal Court at 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 19.

Clark was booked at the Lawrence County Jail just after 6 p.m. Friday evening.

The Sheriff's Office report state the Lawrence County Children's Services had been contacted regarding allegations that a male teacher may have had inappropriate contact with a female student.

Clark is scheduled to appear before the Lawrence County Municipal Court at 9 a.m. Monday, May 19.

This isn't the first time a Rock Hill teacher has been charged with inappropriate sexual conduct with a student.

In November 2007, former Rock Hill Middle School teacher Melissa Bare pleaded guilty to one count of sexual battery.

Rock Hill Superintendent Lloyd Evans and Chesapeake Superintendent Scott Howard could not be reached for comment.