City of Alcoa Press Release - Teacher Coach Arrested

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A former softball coach and teacher at Alcoa High School is facing nine charges stemming from alleged inappropriate sexual relations with students, according to an Alcoa Police Dept. spokesperson.

Robert Paul Talley faces five counts of Statutory Rape by an Authority Figure, two counts of Sexual Battery by an Authority Figure, and two counts of Solicitation of of a Minor for Sexual Battery by an Authority Figure, the detective said. The forty year-old had turned himself in to the Alcoa Police Dept. and is being held at the Blount Co. Jail.

Authorities allege that over the course of more than an academic year Talley engaged in sexual activities and inappropriate physical contact with a female juvenile student and tried to coerce another female student.

Alcoa Director of Schools Dr. Brian Bell notified police of the allegations on October 26. Talley resigned as teacher and softball coach the next day. Police credited Bell and his staff for being "very supportive and cooperative" throughout the investigation. They added the investigation is still ongoing and no further information will be available until it is completed.

Talley was released early Monday evening after posting bond. No dates for his trial have been scheduled. His next court date is scheduled for December 12.