Former Pawnee Coach Escapes Charges, Agrees Never To Teach Again

A former Pawnee teacher and coach accused of sexual misconduct with a student will not be charged with a crime at this time, according to Pawnee County District Attorney Rex Duncan.

Duncan told News On 6 that with no physical evidence or a confession, he chose not to file charges now. However, Duncan said, the decision is contingent on Jeff Tatum not applying for a teaching or coaching job again.

Tatum worked for Pawnee Public Schools from 2007 until his resignation in May, after allegations surfaced and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation began to look into the claims.

4/9/2013 Related Story: Pawnee School Board Relieves Teacher Of Coaching Duties

Tatum initially was placed on a 10-day suspension, and after that period, superintendent Ned Williams recommended Tatum be fired. The school board relieved Tatum of his coaching duties, but he resigned his teaching position before his due process hearing was to take place in Pawnee the next month.

He additionally surrendered his teaching certificate in June, reportedly a day before Williams was to testify before the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

Duncan said charges could be filed within the statute of limitations, which is 12 years.