Hearing set for teacher charged with sex crimes

By BOB GIBBINS
Staff Writer

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS November 14, 2008 11:15 am

— STILWELL – A Dec. 9 preliminary hearing is set for a Stilwell teacher charged with three counts of second-degree rape and a count of sexual battery.
Sean Lee Catron will appear before Special District Judge Doug Kirkley at 1:30 p.m.
Catron was charged earlier this month after an investigation by Stilwell police. Prosecutors said the charges involve two Stilwell High School girls. Assistant District Attorney Shannon Otteson said the alleged acts occurred earlier in the year at school, and also at Catron’s residence.
Otteson said one of the victims told a parent about the incident, and that prompted by Stilwell police.
Catron, 38, has been suspended from his job, and a hearing concerning his employment is expected to be held next week. Local attorney Tim Baker represents Catron in the criminal case, and his employment hearing before the Stilwell School Board.
After testimony in the December hearing, Kirkley will decide if there is sufficient probable cause to hold Catron for a jury trial on the rape and sexual battery charges.