Police are investigating allegations involving the former Latta High School band director. The report from Lt. Crystal J. Moore states that “the Latta Police Department has received alleged allegations of sexual misconduct involving a teacher and student(s) at Latta High School. Latta Police Department, Dillon City Police Department, Dillon County Sheriff’s Office and SLED are investigating the allegations.” The suspect is listed as Matthew Tyler Hutto, age 28, Dillon. Hutto has been employed at the school since 2006.
Latta School District Superintendent John Kirby confirms that Band Director Tyler Hutto is no longer an employee of the school district, and he is following state law and school board policy of reporting requirements to the S.C. State Department of Education Teacher Certification section.
He also confirms that the district is fully cooperating with the families involved and with the investigation by all law enforcement agencies, including SLED, the Dillon County Sheriff’s Department, the Town of Latta Police Department, and the City of Dillon Police Department.
Kirby said, “It is always unfortunate when any school anywhere has a sudden loss of a staff member for any reason. Even in this disappointing circumstance, the focus for the district now is the search for a new band director, support for the students and staff at the school and moving forward with planned spring concerts and the program. I am confident that with the resilience and ability of our band students, they will continue to showcase their skills with their traditional award winning success.”
Further details will be posted when made available.