The former Ocean Springs teacher arrested for allegedly committing sex crimes against a minor has been granted bond.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office released that 38-year-old James Hawkins was arrested on November 30 for having an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old female student.
According to investigators, the Ocean Springs High School physics teacher admitted to having sex with the minor approximately one time a month at his home and in a Walmart parking lot starting in the spring of 2023.
Hawkins also confirmed that the two were also planning to travel to Louisiana to elope in the coming months.
He was denied bond upon his arrest and charged with one count of sexual battery. Judge Calvin Taylor has since set Hawkins’ bond at $150,000 and has ordered the former educator to not have contact with the minor.
The case is now expected to go before a grand jury, where additional charges could be filed against Hawkins.
