From the office of the 18th District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway:

RE: Livingston Academy Incidents
Recently, there have been incidents of hazing and bullying involving students at Livingston Academy in Overton County. The circumstances and nature of the incidents have been investigated by the Livingston Police Department. Investigators with the police department have interviewed all of the students involved and collected evidence that is available which includes several videos capturing the student conduct.

The many rumors that have been rampant on social media need to be dispelled. The student conduct was certainly inappropriate behavior and should not have occurred. The conduct has been described erroneously by some on social media creating rumor. While there was physical contact between students. No student was physically injured. The behavior could be characterized as very inappropriate hazing and bullying of other students. Based on the legal standard for criminal offenses, the behavior would not rise to the level of a sexual offense. The behavior could be considered offensive touching.

This office has reviewed the investigative file produced by police investigators and has met with parents of the students. I understand that the school administration has also conducted its’ own independent investigation as well.

After review of the investigative reports, videos and after meeting with the parents, this office has made the decision to decline to pursue a petition for delinquent behavior in the Overton County Juvenile Court. If any Juvenile Court action were to be taken, it would be an assault by offensive touching and not a sexual offense. Considering all the circumstances, the right thing to do in these particular circumstances is to allow school administrators to impose appropriate discipline for the behavior of the students involved which the school system is prepared to do.

We ask that the community please refrain from engaging in further rumor and speculation. Such rumor is harmful to all of the minors involved, including those who were mistreated by fellow students.

Bryant C. Dunaway
District Attorney General