A Gallatin , Tennessee band teacher was charged with statutory rape by an authority figure .  From news reports , a female teacher had sexual relations over 20 times with a student . The case is set for hearing in the General Sessions Court of Sumner County , Tennessee in December. There are two points about the case worth discussing.

Under Tennessee criminal law , the punishment for statutory rape is increased if the defendant was in a position of authority over the alleged victim.Here is the definition of what is an authority figure in Tennessee;

     (3)  The defendant was, at the time of the offense, in a position of trust, or had supervisory or disciplinary power over the victim by virtue of the defendant’s legal, professional, or occupational status and used the position of trust or power to accomplish the sexual penetration; or

     (4)  The defendant had, at the time of the offense, parental or custodial authority over the victim and used the authority to accomplish the sexual penetration.

Clearly , a teacher is in a position of authority over a student. However ,  when can a charge be brought under this criminal law ? Sometimes , there have been charges of statutory rape of an authority figure without any basis. There must be some special relationship for this charge to be brought. I would submit this charge can’t be brought when one is merely a social guest in a person’s home. A analysis must be made in defending these cases if this charge should be brought. Why would a defendant be overcharged by the government ? It brings more punishment and force a plea bargain agreement.

The second point is the use of a police technique  in this case. Gallatin police Sgt. Chris Shockley set a reverse telephone call between the defendant and the alleged victim. . A reverse telephone call is a police tactic to have a person call the suspect to gain an admission or a confession that something occurred. The telephone call was recorded and it will be admissible into evidence. Most police departments look for some type of corroboration of the crime to make the case stronger.