Registered Sex Offender Charged After Volunteering at Dickson County Private School
Burns, TN — A Dickson County private school is facing community scrutiny after a registered sex offender — who is also the parent of a student — was charged with violating state work restrictions following volunteer activity on campus.
The story was first reported by NewsChannel 5 Nashville (WTVF) on February 25, 2026. According to that report, 45-year-old Robert Jesse Hankins was charged on February 18 with two counts of sex offender residential and work restriction violations.
The charges stem from Hankins performing volunteer work at Greater Things Christian School in Dickson County.
What We Know
According to NewsChannel 5’s reporting:
Hankins is listed as an active offender on the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry.
His registry status is connected to a 2008 child pornography case.
Court records show the current case remains open, with a hearing scheduled for March 17.
The Dickson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released additional public statements beyond confirming the investigation, according to NewsChannel 5.
School Leadership Responds
In a statement sent to parents on February 12, the school’s executive leadership team acknowledged that Hankins had been permitted on school property outside of school hours to perform volunteer work. That work reportedly included paving the school’s parking lot.
Superintendent Chris Harris acknowledged in a separate statement that allowing the volunteer activity was “an error in judgment.”
Harris stated that:
Hankins was supervised at all times.
He was never alone with students.
The volunteer work occurred outside normal school hours.
Harris also said he takes full responsibility for the decision.
Following the incident, the school has:
Prohibited Hankins from returning to school grounds.
Announced stricter volunteer policies.
Implemented mandatory background checks.
Created a centralized volunteer approval process.
The school’s leadership team issued a statement supporting Harris and said, after review, they unanimously supported him remaining in his position. They described the lapse in judgment as serious but not warranting disciplinary action.
NewsChannel 5 reported that it has not independently confirmed when school leadership became aware of Hankins’ registry status.
Tennessee Law and Work Restrictions
Tennessee law places strict residency and employment restrictions on individuals listed on the sex offender registry. Depending on classification and offense history, registrants may be prohibited from working or volunteering in locations where minors are present.
The charges filed against Hankins specifically cite alleged violations of sex offender residential and work restrictions. Those charges will now move through the Dickson County court system, where a hearing is scheduled for mid-March.
Community Impact
Greater Things Christian School has not indicated that any students were harmed or placed in direct danger, and school officials emphasized that supervision protocols were followed during the volunteer activity.
Still, for many in the community, the situation raises broader questions about background checks, transparency, and safeguards in school environments.
Ongoing Investigation
The Dickson County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate. Additional details may emerge as the case proceeds toward its scheduled hearing.
The Dickson County Times will continue to monitor developments in this case and provide updates as new information becomes available.
Source: Initial reporting by NewsChannel 5 Nashville (WTVF) Feb. 25, 2026.