Behind School Doors: The Case of Joesph Dalton

Photography By: Kayla Tinker

 

Joseph Dalton is a former physical education teacher who worked for Blount County Schools in Tennessee. He was employed as a floating PE instructor, teaching at multiple elementary schools including Friendsville, Lanier, and Walland.

Key Facts:

• In September 2023, Dalton was suspended without pay after a parent reported inappropriate conduct involving students.
• He resigned the same day the report was made.
• In January 2024, Dalton was arrested and later pleaded guilty to five counts of assault (physical contact)—a Class B misdemeanor.
• The charges stemmed from inappropriate touching of multiple young students.
• On May 1, 2025, he was sentenced to six months of probation and granted judicial diversion, meaning the charges could be expunged from his record if he complies with the court’s terms.
• Despite reports of complaints dating back to as early as 2005, no prior charges were brought until 2023.
• The light sentence has caused community outrage, with protests erupting at the Blount County courthouse demanding accountability and justice for the victims.

 

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