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Former teacher placed on diversion for rape

Wednesday, August 27, 2008
A former teacher accused of improper conduct with a male student didn't wait to be indicted.

Tracy Hinson, 38, of Newbern, pleaded nolo contendre, or no contest, to a charge of aggravated statutory rape Tuesday in Lake County Circuit Court. A plea of nolo contendre has the same effect as a guilty plea.

Hinson was charged last spring with contributing to the unruly behavior of a minor. The charge was dismissed without prejudice May 14 in Lake County Juvenile Court. At the time, a sheriff's department investigator said the situation was under investigation and might result in one or more indictments in the coming months.

Instead of waiting for the next grand jury to meet, Hinson on Tuesday signed a waiver of indictment and pleaded to a "criminal information," a document charging her with the offense of aggravated statutory rape.

The document accuses Hinson of being unlawfully sexually penetrated by a male between the ages of 13 and 18 during January. Hinson was at least 10 years older than the boy, an age difference that elevates the charge to "aggravated" statutory rape.

Hinson was placed on judicial diversion, which includes supervised probation for two years, payment of court costs and no contact with the student. If she successfully completes her diversionary period, Hinson may ask the court to expunge her criminal record.

Judge Lee Moore told Hinson that had she been convicted of the charge, she could have been sentenced to two to four years in prison.

Hinson resigned May 16 as a Lake County High School science teacher and cheerleading coach. She had been a teacher there for 15 years.

While it had been widely rumored that the investigation would lead to indictments against several individuals, Lake County Sheriff's Investigator Joe Vernon said Tuesday that his investigation had not uncovered criminal activities involving other persons. However, he said he is still looking into the situation.


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She should be listed on the sex offenders list

-- Posted by Memphisguy on Wed, Aug 27, 2008, at 2:46 PM

How can you be or plea guilty to RAPE and not go to jail?

-- Posted by sid36us on Wed, Aug 27, 2008, at 3:02 PM

Another deal made by make a deal Phil

-- Posted by wingnut on Wed, Aug 27, 2008, at 3:11 PM

Thank goodness the law makes allowances for good people like Tracy. Keep the faith girl. This too shall pass. ^j^

-- Posted by poopie on Wed, Aug 27, 2008, at 4:29 PM

Way to seek justice Mr. Phil. Charged with rape and slapped on the wrist. She must have GREAT connections within the system. Yet another reason why we need a change.

-- Posted by speaking out on Wed, Aug 27, 2008, at 4:31 PM

Poopie,

Did Tracy having sex with a minor student even cross your mind before you posted that comment. She is a good person but SHE COMMITED THE CRIME OF RAPE and she should have recieved the same treatment that other teachers are recieving. Watch the news and look at the other teachers that have commited the same crime and the punishment they recieved. She should be thankful that Phil was on her side and not on the side of justice.

-- Posted by speaking out on Wed, Aug 27, 2008, at 4:42 PM

What kind of crooked system are they running in Dyer and Lake counties? 15 years of raping young students and finally one comes forward and this is all she gets? I hope some of the other sex offenders file some type of lawsuit because this was definitely not a fair sentence by any means!

-- Posted by peoples advocate on Wed, Aug 27, 2008, at 4:51 PM

To all the nay sayers posting before on the initial report that she was charged several months ago. I wonder why she would plead no contest to the charges if she wasn't guilty and afraid to face the evidence in open court.

Way to support your local pervert teacher!

-- Posted by Tnknight on Wed, Aug 27, 2008, at 4:54 PM

Where are the supporters now?

-- Posted by Tnknight on Wed, Aug 27, 2008, at 4:55 PM

a woman and a teacher at that/ can rape a child and get pretrial diversion. u all know if it had been some big wheels child they would of thrown the book at her.why is this possible? do u tell your child now its okay for thier teacher to rape them? what about the students that supported her in this ?her family!church!her friends.what about her victim? what if he one day does the same because of the lesson she taught him? shame on her the d.a.and the judge who accepted the plea.

-- Posted by dirtfarmer on Wed, Aug 27, 2008, at 4:58 PM

if anyone thought good people like this would get anything else you were all full of "poopie". this gas shall pass.

-- Posted by Tn.bubba on Wed, Aug 27, 2008, at 6:14 PM

This sure doesn't sound like justice. I hope make a deal Phil will at least have her register as a sex offender!

-- Posted by Here'sMy2cents on Wed, Aug 27, 2008, at 6:47 PM

Poopie wrote: Thank goodness the law makes allowances for good people like Tracy. Keep the faith girl. This too shall pass. ^j^

What planet are you from poopie? "Good People" like Tracy? With good people like Tracy running free, molesting, raping teenage students ,it may be safer living inside the walls of a prison! Oh, I forgot, the teenage boy's mom works at a prison.

-- Posted by peoples advocate on Wed, Aug 27, 2008, at 9:10 PM

A man (Tim Byars) touches (which is wrong) and gets two year, yet a woman does the deed and gets a slap on the wrist. What a world we live in.

-- Posted by SoDyersburg on Wed, Aug 27, 2008, at 9:44 PM

Tracy's supporters havent gone anywhere. I'm right here. Did any of you stop to consider that Tracy did this pretrial diversion just to get it over with? A trial could drag on for years, cost a fortune, and just cause more pain for everyone. She could have NEVER gotten a fair trial in Lake County. Innocent people do pretrial diversion all the time when they and their attorneys feel they are likely to be convicted regardless of their innocence. Would you sign a pretrial diversion and take probation or would you have risked being convicted and face prison? Especially in a county where you have no hope of a fair trial! I certainly wouldnt trust my life to the people of Lake County!

-- Posted by Falcon95 on Wed, Aug 27, 2008, at 9:44 PM

Get your head out of the sand Falcon 95!! Just because you are her friend doesn't mean she is innocent. Yes, I thought the same thing, this is a Tim Byars situation in reverse and neither of them got the punishment they deserved. I can't believe the "christians" stick together in denial. Contrary to falcon95's statement, innocent people do NOT accept pretrial diversion all the time. If she were truly innocent, she would have trusted in God for her vindicaton, not using the excuse of being unable to get a fair trial in Lake County. Falcon95 you could have forgiven her and supported her without showing your ignorance with that post of trying to convince us that she is innocent...what a joke! I hope the boy's family will pursue this in civil court.

-- Posted by talk2t53 on Wed, Aug 27, 2008, at 11:37 PM

Just as I predicted when this story first broke. I KNEW it would be a plea deal and she would only get court costs, supervised probation and a no contact order. Do a search of my posts. If I had made that prediction anywhere but here I would be considered a lucky guesser to have gotten it so right but here it's par for the course. "Make A Deal" Phil let the people down BIG TIME yet again. This court system has become an embarrassment. Congrats to her attorney for essentially getting her off scott free. I bet his rate just went up.

-- Posted by youknowimright on Wed, Aug 27, 2008, at 11:50 PM

Poopie you need a education in several ways, Good people donot rape kids. Perverted disturbed sick individuals do, Makes me scared to think whats goiong on in your head when you are around children, cause you certainly aren't a GOOD person to be with kids, Its time to change the way you look at things, or pack up and take Tracy with you We don't need your type here.

-- Posted by Panhead57 on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 8:04 AM

This "victim's" family approved this plea offer, they could have refused and the DA would have not been able to present the plea to the court. I am sure everyone involved was ready to move on.

No, she will not have to register as a sex offender and she will be able to keep her teaching certification - then after her probation, she can ask the court to expunge her record.

-- Posted by LCHSalumni on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 9:15 AM

How many young men do you really know that have the opportunity to have sex with an older woman that would turn down the opportunity?

Rape?

That may be stretching the definition of the word as we all know it.

Wrong? Certainly!

-- Posted by cadizpub on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 9:57 AM

cadizpub, you despirately need to have a values check. you could have as easily worded your question, " how many older individuals get to have sex with children? what a rush!" VALUES, PEOPLE. VALUES!

-- Posted by exresident on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 11:02 AM

Anyone who thinks justice was served in the courtroom on Tuesday is a fool. Justice was not served. An innocent person, falsely accused, entered a plea of nolo contender (Latin for "I will not defend it") in a effort to bring a close to a very ugly chapter in her life. One of the essential parts of a "No Contest" plea is that a defendant decides not to refute the evidence against them. The big problem with this case is there was no evidence or at least none that was ever presented.

Many of you have posted outrage at the D.A. for making this plea and indicated this was just another "Good 'Ole Boy" deal make in the Lake County Courts. I AGREE. Only I think it was Ms. Hinson's lawyer that was guilty of playing the "Good 'Ole Boy" game as he sold her down the river. I have seen many examples of "Lake County" justice during my life, but this one may take the cake. Her lawyer, the D.A. and the Judge should all be ashamed for allowing this plea to go in place knowing there was no evidence that would ever convict. Even with all the posturing of the investigating officers about how far reaching this thing was going to be and how many indictments against how many people were going to be handed down as a result of their investigation, they is now saying there are no others involved. I guess the same thing may be said about the mountain of evidence they had against Ms. Hinson. Maybe it went away also. Or maybe it never existed in the first place. It would not be the first time something like this has happened. I think everyone needs to feel outraged, but not at Tracy Hinson but at the system of justice in Lake County. It is the only place I know where a kid with a messed up life, a known drug user, can make an unfounded allegation against a two time teacher of the year in a school system and have the teacher vilified, ostracized, and humiliated. I love Lake County, but stuff like this makes we want to throw up.

Tracy, I hope someday you will find it within you heart to forgive what has happened to you here. I hope you are able to put back together the pieces of your life. You are a great teacher. Maybe our school system's loss will be another's gain. I have believed in your innocence from day one and I still believe in it today.

I find it a real shame that everyone is so quick to judge, so eager to believe a good juicy rumor, credible or not, so ready to destroy a career and a life. WAKE UP PEOPLE! If most of you who are posting knew this woman, you would understand how I can write these words with such strong conviction. She is a GOOD person. Period, end of story!

-- Posted by lake county on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 11:51 AM

One glaring lesson should be learned by everyone. In a culture where even children are sexually astute and sexually active, and where they are often encouraged by their peers and school cirriculum, every adult should carefully guard themselves from getting in a situation that results in a "your word against theirs" confrontation. Young people can be as believable as they are vindictive

-- Posted by windjammer1 on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 12:23 PM

Well said lake county! People who have not even met Tracy want to scream the loudest about what a horrible person she is. I agree too that rape is a bit of a strong word here. There are very few 16 year old boys who would not jump at the chance to have sex with a teacher they found attractive. There are also very few teenage boys who wouldn't lie about having sex with a teacher they found attractive. I think this young man did exactly that. These rumors have run rampant for years without one shred of proof. It makes perfect sense that they would continue.

I also believe the authorities involved were all looking for their own 15 minutes in the spotlight since many cases such as this make national news. I am so glad this one did not. Many of those in law enforcement dream of high profile cases such as this and can't wait for the opportunity.

By pleading "no contest", Tracy is not saying "I did this" but rather is saying "I choose not to fight you on this". When people choose not to fight, they are the stronger person. They protect those who stand to be hurt by the fight itself. In this case, it would be the trial that would hurt so many. By pleading no contest, Tracy has done something I don't know that I could ever do- she is choosing to place her family before her own right to defend herself against horrible allegations. Trusting God for her vindication could very well mean taking a diversion. Think about it. It is choosing not to fight. I seem to recall another very notable case where a man was falsely accused but chose not to fight. It seems to me He was executed. Am I comparing Tracy is Jesus, absolutely not. Am I making the point that pleading no contest could very well be the Christian thing to do, absolutely.

talk2t53- You act as if you know me or know who I am. You don't have a clue and I would appreciate you not making assumptions. We all know what happens when you assume...

-- Posted by Falcon95 on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 12:45 PM

lakecounty do u not have any common sense? she took the deal because there was enough evidence to indict.her. if she done nothing wrong/ how would they have evidence against her. they had to show her what they had.as for the victims age or the way he was living his life had nothing to do with what she done.the law says a minor is a person under the age of eighteen!! she knew better. i hope she does something wrong so she doesnt get pretrial diverson.then she will register as a sex offender and therefore can never teach again. as for being a good person tim byars was too.good deeds doesnt make up for a person raping a child.she needs to try to figure out why a woman of her age would want to rape and have sex with a child...

-- Posted by dirtfarmer on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 1:31 PM

talk2t53, I doubt the family will pursue any civil charges. If it is indeed true that the teenaged boy's girlfriend at the time all this came out was in her mid to late 20's and he was living with her....both the girlfriend as well as the mother who allowed this would be in trouble as well. What about the rumors of other older women he'd been with and whether or not he was doing drugs? Tracy's attorney would drag out every single piece of dirty laundry in his closet as Lake County did Tracy's. Could it be that they let her plead nolo because the background of her accusers was as muddled and questionable as hers? Sounds a little to me as if Lake County took what they could get and ran! Another thought....why did the assistant principal of Lake County High resign? I heard he was going to Lauderdale County with the Supt. of Schools and another Lake County High female teacher who wasn't granted tenure. Was Tracy mixed up in this in some way? Did she know too much on these three that caused them to betray her? I'm sorry Tracy plead out....still too many unanswered questions and too many skeletons still hidden.

-- Posted by pianoteacher on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 1:50 PM

It is tragic when people let their emotions overrule the facts. falcon, lake county, and poopie want to defend a woman who was in a leadership position, who chose not to use her head, and now her fans are defending her. Yes, most young men would have sex with any willing body,but that does not make it right. She was the one to say no. What part of "juvenile" don't you people understand? I have seen harsher penalties for people who supplied alcohol to juveniles than the sentence Hinson received. falcon contradicted herself by saying there was no evidence against her. If rumors having been running rampant for years, wasn't that another reason for Hinson to steer clear of such behavior and not act in any way that gives creedence to the rumors? falcon, you need to calm down and stop making a fool of yourself with your emotional outbursts. It does NOT matter whether we know her or not, or whether you think she is a good person. Tim Byars was a good person who made a horrible mistake. Hopefully Byars and Hinson have learned a valuable lesson. It's a mystery to me why falcon and lake county are so upset, instead of celebrating with Hinson because she did not get sent to jail like she deserved. One more thing, we are commanded to fight for good. Jesus' purpose was to come to earth to die for us; so of course that is not a good example. All that is required for evil to prosper is for good men to do nothing.

-- Posted by talk2t53 on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 2:09 PM

If she is so innocent, why has she been accused of doing this with multiple students since she arrived around '93? She's guilty alright. I have no doubt. Ask RD. I, like alot of others in this blog, would in no way plead guilty or no contest to something I did not do. She knew she was looking a prison is why she did what she did. Not to move on with her life and get this behind her. She don't like jumpsuits and cornbread along with the dreaded offender registry. I pray her record doesn't get expunged. Yes, the trash she slept with has problems (drugs, married women, etc.) and his trash mother has alot of problems, too. I still am sickened at the outcome of this. Of course the trash mother wants to accept the plea. The court shouldn't have accepted it.

-- Posted by youknowimright on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 2:47 PM

pianoteacher, It seems to me that you are just making excuses for Tracy. She was wrong in what she did, and all of those text messages. What in the world, would she be saying, to send so many texts, in such a short time, to an underage student? Sounds like more than a teacher/student relationship. The other people that you mentioned, had nothing to do with what Tracy was involved in. Stop bashing innocent people who are well respected professionals, that did not do anything wrong, to have to go to trial. You should be ashamed of yourself for trying to damage innocent peoples reputation. God, Bless You. You truly, need it.

-- Posted by TN Blues on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 3:00 PM

talk2t53- I havent had any emotional outburst as you call it. It seems to me that your intent here is more to defend this Byars person than to speak out on the situation with Tracy Hinson. I don't even know who he is but it seems to me you are bitter that he apparently received a harsher sentence than she did. The merits of every case stand alone so obviously the facts in his case dictated a harsher penalty. I did not contradict myself- rumors are NOT proof. If that were true, our justice system would be in worse shape than it already is and our jails would be overflowing with people who are rumored to have done something. Also for the record, again you assume I am female as you use a female pronoun (herself) to describe me. I have never identified my gender.

I'm with piano teacher on this one. There were rumors surrounding the other teacher as well which is part of the reason she wasn't rehired for this year. I find it interesting that Paul Pillow was forced to resign by Joey Hassell as part of the this investigation but then was hired by Joey Hassell in Lauderdale County as was the teacher. The water in Lake County has always been a bit muddy. I guess the water over in Lauderdale County will be muddy now.

-- Posted by Falcon95 on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 3:44 PM

Falcon95,

You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. Paul Pillow was not hired in Lauderdale County.

And piano teacher if you want to know who sold out Tracy Hinson the school system is NOT where you need to be looking.

-- Posted by 23mom on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 4:04 PM

falcon95 tim byars took a plea to touching 2 sisters.not having sex with them like tracy did. no prier record.he received 2 yrs.in prison plus sex offender registry plus a lifetime of probation.he was a former teacher/volunteer coach and youth minister in his church.he also has 8 . children at home to support.no her punishment wasnt right. really she got no punishment...why is there a difference?

-- Posted by dirtfarmer on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 4:22 PM

WAKE UP PEOPLE! If most of you who are posting knew this woman, you would understand how I can write these words with such strong conviction. She is a GOOD person. Period, end of story!

-- Posted by lake county on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 11:51 AM

You have got to be the most naive person that God has allowed to live on this earth! How old are you, about thirteen or fourteen? Tracy has had her boy toys every year that she has been at Lake County High school. She had sex with all of them, along with some of the male teachers. She is a slut by definition and a child molester by the definition of the law. It makes no difference if the "child" was willing, it is STILL AGAINST THE LAW AND IS STATUTORY RAPE! The only reason she got off is the number of families that were involved with her sexually that would have been brought to the forefront had she went to a real court and had a real trial.

-- Posted by peoples advocate on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 5:51 PM

I wonder how that a woman can have sex with a minor and practically walk free when a man recently touched a minor and got prison time.I don't hear her being called an animal and pervert as the guy was,Some on this blog crucified Byars for his actions and are vey placid on this matter.Do you think he would have gotten the same time here?Guess he should have been sentenced here.I hear comments on this minor saying he was sexually active and was loose. There wasn't any negative comments on the lifestyle of the minor and sister of the Byars case. Is there a difference here? Lets be fair and even here in our judgments.You only have to worry for a short while until she is free to do whatever,

-- Posted by feels the hurt on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 6:14 PM

Amen, peoples advocate! What Tracy needs is treatment for her sex addiction. I am certain that this will not slow her need for sexual conquests. If my husband was working at Huish, he'd be looking for a new job. Wives beware: She likes grown men too!

-- Posted by Here'sMy2cents on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 6:25 PM

i know nothing about the case. the state gazette is not very good at getting the hard news to their subscribers.

tracey may be a wonderful person, but on the face of the situation, it seems that if it had been a male accused of "rape", the message sent to society would be totally different.

just like the county/city trucks that go by our homes every day. it says "animal" control on them, but it really means "dog" control! many people are alergic to cats--i believe moreso than dogs, but it's the dog owners who have to have to tow the line.

if you doubt this, just call "animal" control and tell them there is a stray cat in your yard and see what happens.

jerry osborne

-- Posted by jaydwain on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 7:43 PM

She is already on the sex offender register for Dyersburg. And that is where she needs to be. People that have done alot less are on there. This is just a sorry excuse for justice. She is guilty as sin and she knows it, no matter how much she lies and denies to her family and friends.

-- Posted by lcgal on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 8:10 PM

I agree that this is another deal by Good ole Phil....as for Mr. Byars, he was not sentenced in Dyer or Lake county...just so u know how Mr. Bivens works, the man that was accussed of 10 counts of statutory rape in Lake county pled out to 4 years...was explained to us that the reason they did this is because he could have forced 10 trials..one for each count and they didnt want to do that....also he will only have to do 60% of the 4 years and he will be eligable for parole.

-- Posted by tngranny on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 9:39 PM

she is on the sex offenders registry.all i want to know now is will this make sure that she never teaches again?i mean come on if it would have been a male teacher they would be stoning him.she is GUILTY,otherwise she would have done whatever it took to prove her innocence.all i have to say is if she is still teaching,parents beware because she will do this again,just like she has every year since she had been teaching at lchs.i don't care if your her friend or biggest supporter what she did was wrong even if it was consentual.if it was your son that she was having sex with you would feel totally different and you know it!!!!!

-- Posted by tnmama on Fri, Aug 29, 2008, at 9:23 AM

falcon95 tim byars took a plea to touching 2 sisters.not having sex with them like tracy did. no prier record.he received 2 yrs.in prison plus sex offender registry plus a lifetime of probation.he was a former teacher/volunteer coach and youth minister in his church.he also has 8 . children at home to support.no her punishment wasnt right. really she got no punishment...why is there a difference?

-- Posted by dirtfarmer on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 4:22 PM

As for your comment about Byars - he did alot more than touch. He raped one of those poor girls. So get your facts straight before you comment about this.

Also, statutory rape is wrong and she deserves to be in prison. I don't care about the details as to what kind of mother he has or what type of lifestyle he lives or to wether or not he was willing- if she had sex with this 16 year old little boy, she should be in prison - period.

-- Posted by raspberry on Fri, Aug 29, 2008, at 1:53 PM

Little boy? Obviously you havent seen him. After his name was posted on a message board when the story first broke, I looked him up on myspace. He listed his age as 21 on his page and he looks well beyond that. I am not condoning statutory rape, however, no one should have the thought that this young man looked like a child.

-- Posted by Falcon95 on Fri, Aug 29, 2008, at 4:27 PM

All of you act as if Mrs.Tracy actually RAPED this "boy". This "boy" who has a 27 year old girlfriend who is pregnant and I see is in no trouble. I assure you that the sex was plenty consensual. I know it still wasn't right because she's married and was a teacher and mother. BUT, she is not the evil coniving no-good "rapist" you people are making her out to be. And by the way, she is on the sex offender's list, and will be for the next ten years of her life. I think for a person who has always treated everyone fairly and nice and broke her back for YEARS to help her community and made one big mistake, she got plenty of punishment.

-- Posted by lcdance1 on Fri, Aug 29, 2008, at 5:18 PM

This will keep happening until the parents in the school system take this complaint to the State Board of Education. All the talk will not do anything until action is taken. She will be able to teach in another school system and do this again, and again.

-- Posted by LCAunt on Fri, Aug 29, 2008, at 5:22 PM

Here is the link for all you would be doubters.

http://www.ticic.state.tn.us/sorinternet...

-- Posted by steggato on Fri, Aug 29, 2008, at 5:45 PM

i'm sure the sex was consentual but she was still in the wrong because she is an adult first off,second she was considered an authority figure.as for it being one mistake that she made,yeah right.she has been doing this with a different boy pretty much every year since she has been there,former teachers in that school system have known it for years as well as everybody else in the community.i'm glad she is listed on the sex offenders list.she deserves to be there with alot of other ones right along with her.no she wasn't and isn't the only one,she just got caught...i feel sorry for her family because they are gonna have to deal with this for the rest of their lives too...

-- Posted by tnmama on Fri, Aug 29, 2008, at 6:52 PM

She wont be on the registry for ten years. She will only have to be on there for two years. Once she is granted the judicial diversion in two years, all of everything will disappear like this never happened at all. Her record will be wipes clean and she'll come off the registry. Are some of you doubters seeing why she took the diversion? She could either go to trial and risk jail time since most in Lake County have already decided she's guilty OR she could take the diversion, deal with some junk for two years, and then go on with her life like this never happened. I would have taken the diversion too.

-- Posted by Falcon95 on Fri, Aug 29, 2008, at 9:43 PM

Mr. Ozborne, you are probably not aware of it but there is no city or county ordinance about cats running loose, only dogs. That is why the Animal Control doesn't pick up cats, however, people can surrender them to the shelter. One cat and its offspring can produce 420,000 kittens in 7 years; one dog and its offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in 6 years. To stop this madness, people need to be responsible pet owners and spay or neuter their animals. Without the Animal Control/Humane Society, this area would be like counties in Mississippi, for example, with packs of dogs running loose. The Humane Society makes every effort humanly possible to find homes for shelter pets. Please come to the shelter and volunteer rather than criticize.

-- Posted by Jazzybrad on Sun, Aug 31, 2008, at 6:27 PM

WHAT???? she only got diversion and 2yrs probation???? All perverts should be... well its not for me to judge but i dont think this is right just like i didnt think that tim should have only got 2 yrs...... an act such as they committed tells you that they are sick... very sick.... neither got what they deserved. what if it were your children???? And to think we have to send our children to school with people like this. How are we supposed to feel like they (our kids) are gonna be safe??? we not only have to worry about the peer pressure of them growing up now we have to worry about what the adults we tell them to listen and respect are gonna do to them..Do you think there is an answer??? I am sad for our world our childrens future.

-- Posted by blondy30 on Sun, Aug 31, 2008, at 8:29 PM

Jazzybrad, don't pay any attention to Jerry Osborne's post. In the past, he has written a few "letter to the editors" to the Gazette. I never recall any about "thank you", or "good job", or anything "positive"; they were always complaining.

Maybe he has "cat scratch fever" :)

-- Posted by ukwildcats on Mon, Sep 1, 2008, at 5:31 PM

You People need to read how the rest of the world lives. By pleading no contest is not an ommission to guilt! Did it ever occure to any of you perfect non-sinners who love to throw stones that maybe she took no contest so her children would not have to be put in the middle of this mess anymore. I know what you are going to say...she put her family in this mess but guess what people, she is innoncent!! You all live in a town and county that thinks they know everything about everything. You should all get out of Dyer county and Lake county and see how the rest of the world lives and acts. You love to convict before seeing any proof.. How many of you saw anything that the lawyers or police had against her?? She put a stop to a nightmare that her children are being pulled into for no reason. I know of grown adults there in Dyersburg that have picked on 2 of her children... charges should be filed against them for the slander and bullying done to the kids but guess what nothing will be done because Tracy wants her children to be able to live a normal life. The best thing they could do is leave that area where they will have a chance away from all you backwoods rednecks! The best thing my parents ever did for me was get me out of that area so I would have a chance at life. Look around...how many people do you know that go away to college and return to that area? There is a reason for that! How many of ya'll are educated past high school and actually been further than Memphis in your life? The things that Tracy is guilty of she has admitted to her husband, kids and family and most importantly God. She owes no explanation to any of you, that poor boy and his mother on the other hand do, they need to admit their own sins and get right with God...they need to stop lying. Please if you are guilty of nothing in your life and truly perfect please continue your slander if not please stop posting on here and get on with your life and mind your OWN business. God Bless you Tracy and your family! Signed a family friend that no longer lives in Dyersburg!

-- Posted by GladileftDyersburg on Mon, Sep 1, 2008, at 8:11 PM

-- Posted by GladileftDyersburg on Mon, Sep 1, 2008, at 8:19 PM

Gladileftdyersburg:

You have lost your mind!!!! First of all she was guilty beyond any doubt. Risk a trial and a conviction for "aggravated statutory rape by an authority figure" and risk 10 years of mandatory prison time. No diversion, no probation, just go straight to jail and do not pass GO. She pled no contest to aggravated statutory rape because there was no contest and it was a lesser felony. Why are there 98,000 text messages between her, the victim student, and a dozen or so other men or boys? The investigator reported the evidence was OVERWELMING!! Not to mention the four or five computers and cell phones that were seized and recovered data they contained; the emails that were served search warrants and what the emails contained. Could it be more text messages, pictures, videos?

As far as the sex offender registry; at the end of her diversion (if she makes it) does not mean she will automatically come off the registry. After researching the issue, she will have to petitions the State of Tennessee and apply to have her name removed from the registry. As of this posting NO ONE has ever been removed from the registry. Many have tried and applied but none have been removed. Hopefully she will not be the first.

What I think is really sad; only she, the student, other involved men, and the investigators will know the truth. I wished it would have all gone to trial and the whole sorted affair (no pun intended), had been brought to light. Then maybe the "she's not guilty; she is innocent" supporters could and would make an accurate decision on her guilt.

So without the true details I guess you, in your own twisted mind, have the right to be nieve and say she is innocent, but come on, 98,000 text messages. I'm sure they were not about home work or cheerleading. In any case that many texts to any student is inappropriate.

Checked your child's or husbands phone lately?????

-- Posted by steggato on Mon, Sep 1, 2008, at 10:41 PM

98,000 text messages? That along with other information you mentioned has not been released publicly. This means you either are making that up or you are involved in the case on the law enforcement side of things and therefore just broke the law by releasing such information. I plan to contact the proper authorities as there most certainly needs to be an investigation into how the local authorities handled this case.

-- Posted by Falcon95 on Tue, Sep 2, 2008, at 1:09 AM

-- Posted by GladileftDyersburg on Tue, Sep 2, 2008, at 8:42 AM

okay here is the deal.tracy was wrong for what she did even if it was consentual.he & his mom were wrong for brignging it out in the open just to try to get him back into school.it would be different if this was the first time she had done this but she has been doing it for years so apparantly she doesn't think it was a mistake ir she wouldn't keep on doing it...

-- Posted by tnmama on Tue, Sep 2, 2008, at 8:50 AM

Falcon95 - yea those details were released publicly..no one is releasing information and no one, other than tracy, has broken any laws! get off of your soap box and stop shouting tracy's praises.

-- Posted by TNGAL on Tue, Sep 2, 2008, at 10:15 AM

Where was it stated that 98,000 text messages were exchanged? Please give a source that can be verified. The various newspapers including the State Gazette and news media have reported only 4400 text messages were exchanged. So please tell the group where it was reported there were 98,000 text messages were exchanged.

-- Posted by Falcon95 on Tue, Sep 2, 2008, at 10:52 AM

Come on, all this information is common knowledge in Lake County. Wether it came from school officials,law enforcement,court house staff,DA's office or from where ever. Lake County is a small county and there are no long term secrets, if two people know then the whole county knows!

-- Posted by youshouldknow on Tue, Sep 2, 2008, at 12:33 PM

Falcon95,

You appear to be very strong supporter of Tracy. That is good although she is now quilty and has been for years. It took one young boy getting in trouble to turn against and put a stop to her actions. The evidence was there. She entered her plea and stopped all of the evidence from becoming public. It is good to see people still supporting Tracy but please open your eyes and realize what you are supporting. Tracy is a good person and she was always there for the community. She did the crime and she should be doing time. No matter how you look at it she had a sexual realtionship with a juvenile. If she was anywhere else she would be in prison. Bivens can only keep so much information secert. Open you eyes and ears because everyone else has!

-- Posted by speaking out on Tue, Sep 2, 2008, at 2:55 PM

Well only 44oo text messages. I guess that settles that every teacher must send that many texts to students, right? are you freakin kidding me. Do you not feel that 4400 texts may be a large number to send to a child. You make it sound like 4400 texts is a drop in the bucket. regardless of the number unless it was 1 or 2 then something is fishy. I can't believe you would even bother to retort to a misquote about how many texts there were when the number is still insanly high. And it doesn't matter what anyone says on here anymore as far as the state of Tennessee and anyone with any sense is concerned SHE IS GUILTY.

-- Posted by theartfuldodger on Tue, Sep 2, 2008, at 3:40 PM

TO: GladileftDyersburg, we are glad you left also! You preach and chastise us as if you are better. How dare you accuse the entire population in two counties of being uneducated, backwoods rednecks! Your arrogance is much worse than not having had the opportunity to go to college or travel farther than Memphis. We don't have our heads in the sand or our nose in the air as you so haughtily flaunt. There are plenty of us who returned to Dyersburg and we are proud to live here. So come down off your high horse and stop telling us not to post our comments. This is a forum for just that, but I guess you are too narrow minded to tolerate different points of view than your own. We may live in, and love our small town, but we are aware of freedom of speech. We are also well aware of the world around us...that is why we chose to live here!

-- Posted by talk2t53 on Tue, Sep 2, 2008, at 11:49 PM

lake county - I can assure you the information I KNOW to be factual did NOT come from the sheriff's department. Sheriff Tippit and Investigator Vernon have been tight lipped about the case and the details. And just FYI...everyone at the school board knows details about the case. Lake County is so small. If you tell one person, it's no longer a secret. So before you make accusations of a corrupt sheriff and investigator along with suggesting resignations, you really might want think about everyone involved in this case and realize that the information being posted didn't necessarily come from the law enforcement agency. Have you pondered the fact that the victim's mother is also knowledgeable of all of the case details/facts? Are also aware SHE initiated contact with the media? Could some of the statements made on here have come directly from her? How about the school board administration? Hmmm...Makes ya wonder!!!

-- Posted by TNGAL on Wed, Sep 3, 2008, at 9:27 AM

It appears that the Lake County School Board members, do find you guilty of rumors, and gossip. They do not look at their actions, though. Tracy, just put her life on the wrong track. She should pay for her mistakes. The other school professionals that resigned or were not rehired, were friends of Tracy. She may be a good person to some people, but she was trouble for others. According to the school board, you are guilty by association. That isn't fair or professional, by any means. Rumors or gossip, will always be out there, you just have to see the truth and not judge others. God sees us for who we are.

-- Posted by TN Blues on Wed, Sep 3, 2008, at 3:08 PM

To Here'sMy2cents, You must have received wrong information. All of the people that you mentioned, did not confess any wrong doing. There may have been one to confess, but they all didn't. Association with Tracy was just a big mistake on their part. I'm sure they all regret it now.

-- Posted by TN Blues on Wed, Sep 3, 2008, at 8:19 PM

I would like to know how some people can get on here and scream about the "good o'l boy" method and talk about how she got a raw deal. Are you really that blind. I don't know any facts in this case, however, what I do know is just because you know the accused does NOT make them innocent. I keep reading "she was a good teacher" she may have been, however, she had the chance to go to trial. She did not have to go to trial in lake or dyer counties, they, the court, could have had the case tried in another county. I don't understand about how the "trial would hurt so many"...what I do understand is "the truth will set you free" Come on she pled out, does it really matter what anyone else thinks? She made the choice to not go to trial. She is the only one that knows if she is gulity or innocent. Move on...she has.

-- Posted by iseestupidpeople on Thu, Sep 4, 2008, at 9:25 AM

I've read a lot of posts saying "she's done this for years" or that "she's had a different student" during her teaching.

I have a question for those who know such things: Were you a participant, or just another rumor monger?

-- Posted by cadizpub on Fri, Sep 5, 2008, at 10:47 AM

solicitation of a minor by electronical means....has anyone ever heard of that???????????? not around here! if nothing else, a conviction should have been made on that charge alone. sexual contact does not have to be made to do jail time. this is a new world where laws are being made to protect minors from electronic abuse. so if you are an adult, you should not be sending emails and text messages to minors. it can put you at risk -huge risk- for violating new laws.

-- Posted by tractorsandchickens on Tue, Sep 9, 2008, at 4:01 PM

I am not posting to either defend or condemn Ms. Hinson, since I don't know her or anything about her, but I have to agree with GladileftDyersburg. I have been the victim or target or whatever you would call it, of some made up crock of crap that I was on drugs because of my weight. It cut me to the core and damn near ruined my life, just because some bored or mentally deranged person decided she would spread that rumor all over town, and yeah, everyone believed it. Even those that truly knew better were actually getting weird around me. After I left my last job, I was so stressed and distressed, I haven't found the courage to find another job yet. What if each potential boss heard and believed? So until you have been tried, fried and executed by the REAL judgementals in Dyersburg, you will never get it. Wish I had the money to leave this Sodam and Gomorrah little town myself.I bet a few good slander suits would shut up a few of these rumor mills, they just don't understand what they can and are doing to someone else's life.

-- Posted by Drummergirl on Tue, Sep 9, 2008, at 7:34 PM


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