ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. – A 35-year-old high school teacher in Alleghany County is in jail after being indicted and arrested on dozens of felony charges.
Gavin Haynes, a teacher at Alleghany High School, was arrested on Tuesday after being indicted on Jan. 10 for 31 counts of taking indecent liberties with a child by a person in a custodial or supervisory relationship.
His role is listed as “PE 9, Sports Exercise and Health Science, Advanced PE and Weightlifting,” according to the school’s online staff directory.
Alleghany County Public Schools Superintendent Kim Halterman sent 10 News the following statement:
On January 18, 2022, a staff member of the Alleghany County Public Schools was arrested and charged with 31 felonies related to alleged sexual contact involving minors. The school division placed the staff member on administrative leave approximately one year ago on Jan. 21, 2021, when the division was made aware of allegations against the individual.
This individual is not allowed on school property. Because this is a personnel matter, there is little else we can share at this time.
The Virginia Department of State Police is handling the criminal investigation. All questions pertaining to the investigation should be directed to the State Police or the Alleghany County Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Kim Halterman
During his tenure at the school, he has also served as the JV boys basketball head coach, the JV baseball head coach and an assistant varsity football coach.
The 31 offenses date back to June 2010, when Haynes would have been 24 years old.
Twenty charges are in connection with June 10, 2010; one charge with Aug. 1, 2010; eight with Aug. 1, 2012; and two with Aug. 1, 2016.
The case involving Haynes is being investigated by Virginia State Police, according to the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office.
Virginia State Police provided this statement on Wednesday morning:
Gavin A. Haynes, 35, of Covington, Va., was arrested yesterday morning, (Jan 18). The arrest was for multiple counts returned from a Grand Jury held in Allegheny County.
This is the only information the Virginia State Police will release on this investigation. Also, the state police will not provide any interviews about the arrest, or the investigation.
Sgt. Rick Gartletts, Public Information Officer, Division 6