On Friday, October 2, 2020, the administration of Sylvania High School and The DeKalb County Board of Education began an internal investigation following an allegation of inappropriate behavior by a now-former teacher at Sylvania High School, Dustin Dalton. Superintendent Barnett contacted the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office then contacted the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR).

All agencies were immediately provided information gathered as a result of the internal investigation. That same day, The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office began their investigation alongside the Board of Education and DHR. All three agencies have been in communication daily since the investigation began with a subsequent arrest made on Monday with charges of Enticing a Child for Immoral Purposes and Dissemination of Obscene Material.

The DeKalb County Sheriff's office and the DeKalb County Board of Education assures the public that we are working alongside one another to ensure that justice is served.

Sheriff Welden added, "Ensuring a full and adequate investigation is vital to ensuring that justice is served. We will work tirelessly to ensure the court has all the information need to provide justice for the victims and their families."

Barnett also included, "I am sickened by the news and what has transpired, I pray for the families and for justice to be served. I appreciate the partnership with the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and DHR and look forward to working alongside them for the duration of this investigation."

Due to the fact that this is still very early in the investigation, more charges may be added at a later date. If anyone feels as though they have been a victim, please contact The DCSO Investigators at the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office 256-845-3801.