Ocean Springs teacher arrested and charged for inappropriate relations with student

An Ocean Springs High School teacher is behind bars and fired from the school district after being accused of having in appropriate relations with a student.

Thirty-eight year-old James Hawkins is charged with one count of sexual battery and more charges are possible.

Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter says investigators confirmed the allegations over the course of their investigation.

Hawkins was a physics teacher at Ocean Springs High.

The Ocean Springs School District released a statement late Thursday night, confirming that Hawkins was fired after the charges were made known to district leaders and that the district is working with investigators in this case.

Hawkins remains jailed without bond after his initial court appearance this afternoon.

Circuit Judge Calvin Taylor followed the state’s recommendation of no bond, but told Hawkins that could change when he’s back in court Tuesday, December 5. Prosecutors say right now they object to a bond due to conversations Hawkins had with investigators after his arrest.