James Hawkins, 38, of Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi, United States is an alumnus of Mississippi State University in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, Mississippi. On May 3, 2019, he graduated from the university with a heavy concentration in aerospace engineering, physics and mathematics.
In July 2022, Hawkins obtained his license as a physics teacher from the Mississippi Department of Education. In the same month, he joined Ocean Springs High School in Ocean Springs, Jackson County, Mississippi as a physics teacher.
Ocean Springs High School serves students in grades 9–12. It is part of the Ocean Springs School District.
On the afternoon of November 30, 2023, Hawkins was arrested after investigators confirmed he had an inappropriate relationship with a student. He was booked into the Jackson County Jail in Pascagoula, Jackson County.
The Ocean Springs School District terminated Hawkins after his arrest. He was charged with sexual battery.
Additional charges may be filed against Hawkins. The investigation is ongoing, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.
The department did not reveal the age of the student Hawkins was allegedly in a relationship with. Whether or not the student was in the physics teacher’s class has yet to be confirmed.
Anyone with information about James Hawkins‘ alleged crime is asked to call Jackson County Sheriff’s Department captain Kristen Johnson at 228-769-7559.
CONAN Daily 