HARDEMAN COUNTY, Tenn. — A day after a Hardeman County teacher was arrested and accused of sexual battery and inappropriate contact with several female students, he is out on bond.

Concerned parent, Christa Box described herself as “scared and terrified” upon learning the details of Jason Childers, a teacher at Middleton Middle School arrest.

He was charged with two counts of sexual battery by an authority figure, one count of aggravated sexual battery and four counts of simple assault.

“He was being inappropriate with some of the female students,” Box said. “He was saying very uncomfortable things.”

Affidavits of complaint from seven female students, with ages ranging between 12 and 14, revealed accusations against Childers claiming he touched the alleged victims and made them feel uncomfortable.

He also reportedly referred to the victims as “darlin”, “baby girl”, “sugar”, “baby” and other pet names.

After Childers was released on bond, a WREG reporter met with Childers who declined to go on camera.

However, he said he maintains he is innocent of sexual battery charges and claims that accusations against him started after he took a cell phone from a female student on October 30.

Childers also confirmed he had been suspended without pay.

On Tuesday, Hardeman County responded in part, “The Hardeman County Board of Education and District Administrative Staff are aware of and monitoring the recent arrest of a teacher. As the situation progresses decisions will be made based on the facts that emerge.”

They added, “The District remains committed to ensuring the safety and well being of all students and staff.”

“Everybody’s mad which that’s the natural reaction,” concerned parent Bridget Smith said. “Anybody that’s in a position like that, to teach our children, shouldn’t be allowed to – you know.”

Jason Childers is scheduled to appear in Hardeman County General Sessions Court on December 3.