Sheriff’s Office investigation reveals Sullivan Heights teacher lied about stabbing

Hundreds of staff members and students were interviewed and surveillance video was scanned, but in the end, a police investigation determined a band teacher at Sullivan Heights Middle School lied about being stabbed.

Sheriff Jeff Cassidy reported Harold Dalton, 53, of Kingsport was charged with false reporting after following a heavy police presence at the campus and an earlier statement from Superintendent Evelyn Rafalowski that it was unclear how the staff member was injured.

Students remained in their classrooms for an extended period as the initial investigation took place Monday.

(MUGSHOT: Courtesy of Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office)