Very, very, very hard to believe.

This is sad and hard to believe. I loved having Dinkins at Tennent, yet it is still a shame that this happened.

Incredibly hard to believe.

He is a great man and would NEVER do anything like this! Mr. Dinkins has inspired me more than any other musical director or teacher I've ever had. I will support him 100%! If he does not return to Tennent, it will be Centennial's greatest loss.
LOVE YOU DINKS!
Tay

Agreed - incredibly hard to believe. Prayers are with the Dinkins family.

He inspired my daughter to go on to be a sacred music major. I have a really hard time believing the charges. He is a Christian who really is devoted to his students.

So hard to believe, I had the pleasure of having Mr. Dinkins for my senior year and it was by far the only time I truly enjoyed Chorale. Mr. Dinkins is an amazing person and an exceptional educator. I love you Mr. Dinkins! Alexis class of 2002!!!!!!

I seriously doubt that eight victims banded together to concoct a story as serious as this! Everyone thus far supports Dinkins and no one has offered any support to the victims. I for one, believe the victims and I hope they recover from this and know that this was not their fault. I also hope that Mr. Dinkins finds a way to turn his life around and realize what he's done to these students!

Not surprised. He has always conducted himself as being above everyone else and having dealt with this teacher, he had showed lack of integrity and the willful knowledge to be deceitful at the expense of his students. What goes around comes around. May the punishment fit the crime.

I find this quite funny. First Bregman & now Dinkins! Who is going to be the next one?

Mr. Dinkins was an incredibly motivating and support teacher for all of his students. I had the pleasure of singing for him for four years. My prayers are with him, his family, and the students.

Plays a mean Flute!!!

What happened to innocent till found guilty. Our military fights for this right.

I would put $$ on this being a terrible hoax because some students didn't want to be told "no"!! He is an amazing man and never put up with any foul play in the class room!! When they are caught I hope the girls suffer as greatly as the Dinkin family is now....

Mr. Dinkins is such an asset to the WTHS music program. While i didn't sing for him, i was in the instrumental program and had several close friends (and a sister) who did. We all looked up to Dinks and many of us still do... hopefully this blows over and this man can get his life back. He, his family, and all who know him are in my prayers.

This is a heartbreaking story, being a his former student it pains me to hear that this is going on. Especially since, being on the news, it must be true...Right. Mr. Dinkins inspires students to achieve far beyond anyone's expectation of them, I was honored to be pushed to be the best that I could be and as a result I'm attending college for music, all because of the hard work and dedication of this man. My life and the life of William Tennent will never be the same. He has lost his whole entire life because of this. My opinion of him still stays the same, and I hope, to all those who knew him, it stays the same for you as well.

Steve
Mr. Dinkins is an incredible man and an amazing teacher. He has been an inspiration to me since day one as a singer and student and I am highly doubtful that any of the allegations are true. My prayers are with his family and the William Tennent community.

According to PhillyBurbs Mr. Dingbat has been "charged with multiple counts of unlawful contact with eight female students, according to Bucks County District Attorney David Heckler and Warminster Township police Chief S. Michael Murphy."

http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/courier_times_news/former-tennent-hs-choir-director-charged-with-unlawful-sexual-contact/article_c0827175-270f-5259-b8e9-83de3bfc52b5.html

Was reading the Police Complaint/Affidavit of Probable Cause. His actions are disgusting and repulsive. I could not even finish reading it. He is a selfish, sick individual that put himself before his students without even considering how his behavior would impact the students who looked up to him.

Mr Dinkins was my favorite teacher of all time. I had him for a teacher for all 4 years in tennent and in Mads and Chorale. I find this VERY hard to believe. in all those years he never conducted himself in a weird creepy way. He was a great music teacher and makes me wish I was still in his class to sing in choir. Innocent until proven guilty..

Telling it like it is stated in a report that will be used as evidence in court. He didn't deserve the respect of his students. It will shed a very different light on him when his supporters have a chance to read about his repulsive actions. There is no excuse for what he did and his lack of even considering the impact this would have on his family, well no more needs to be said. Thankfully they have him out of the district and he will have to answer for what he has done.

This really makes me mad. While I only had Dinkins for one year, I know how loving and kind he is. The People that said this.. they're jack. Love you Dinks!

Do a little research folks ... He admitted to some of the inappropriate behavior, and even if the ONLY things he's done are what he's admitted to - may God help him. It's so sad that so many people here are immediately jumping on those victimized; it probably took a lot of courage to admit what happened, especially knowing how revered he is/was. Remember- he admitted to some of this folks.

Obviously the people who are writing negatively about this man never truly knew him and should be ashamed of themselves. NOT ONE PERSON has written anything bad about the victims. People have simply written their prayers and wonderful memories of a wonderful teacher. This should not be a mob. Do not be quick to judge someone unless you truly know them. He is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. You words of hate are not welcome.

Funny how those who are attacking Dinkins are know only as "Full Name" or "Warminster Resident"....makes you wonder who is really leaving these comments....I'm not accusing them of being the victims or related to them but sure does make one wonder. INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY!!!!!!

Warminster Resident is correct. Dinkins himself admitted that he conducted himself inappropriately. Where is the argument here? Denial does not alter reality folks.

I'm very confused by this. I read that he admitted to mouthing "olive juice" which looks like I love you to his students. I didn't know that was being sexualy inappropriate. It is also said that he slapped girls on the butt(allegedly)...............coaches do that all the time are all coaches now sex offenders? I think this whole situation is being blown way out of proportion, and people are allowing the media to hype them up. I'll always have the highest oponion of Mr. Dinkins. He's was by far the best teacher I ever had because he pushed me to be nothing more then excellent, never allowed me to say "I can't" and for that I will be forever grateful. Mr. Dinkins has done amazing things for the musical department of William Tennent and deserves alot more respect then what he is now being shown. For those of you who have already decided that this man is guilty, you should be ashamed. No matter what is being said in the media he deserves a fair and just trial. Mr. Dinkins will always have a special place in my heart, and no matter what the outcome of this mess may be, I feel and will always feel privileged to of had him as my teacher. My prayers are with him and his family during this horrid situation.

Ashamed? The man is clearly guilty because he ADMITTED to it! Hats off to the ladies that were brave enough to come forward and saved other girls from facing the same harassment!
If you still think that he is innocent then check out what he told the police:
http://media.nbcbayarea.com/documents/Dinkins+Criminal+Complaint+Issued+8-6-12.pdf

For one you can't believe evrything you hear in the media..come on ppl the media does not always tell the truth...this we know..but for all you ppl 2have your opinions nobody was there in physical when any of these allegations took place. As far as his admittal well that 2 can be conspircised by the media to turn a high school case into a high profile action like the've done so many times in the past before. Ye be the 1 not to cast stones...young little caucasion girls think its cute to bond together as if to commit to stronger scadelous allegations...following officals taking complete nonsense into considertation by young teen girls...only to save the presious reputation/image of the School District because of what something may look like which in all actuality is not what it appears to be. If anything everybody is a victim here of extortion..Look @ his track record ppl?? Has he ever been known to do something like this???. Nobody knows what truelly happened exccept for the parties involved rather this is fact or fiction. Futhermore none of you people are in control of his judgemnt. Your simply here to amplify an already yet another teacher student case file of high profile scandel.

Awesome - racism is exactly what this thread needed. Those are disgusting comments. Be proud of yourself.

That arrest warrant made me nauseous. Those poor girls. I think anyone on here, before you say one more thing in defense of this situation, should read the arrest warrant (an official document - not media reporting). Nothing can take away from the amazing job this man did for some of you, and his actions don't change the affect he has had on your lives, but please read the arrest warrant before accusing others of having a vendetta. There's a reason most sexual assaults go unreported, and it's because society doesn't want to believe wonderful people can do bad things - apparently they can. I'm so sad for this entire airuatipm.

This is devastating on so many levels. I am shocked, yet I am not. I feel horrible for this for so many reasons and for my own child who had this teacher and considered him a role model & was going to be using a letter from him for a college recommendation in this field.

(continued from above) I feel very badly for the good teachers because once again a bad teacher has put a blemish on our schools for them!
I'm sorry for all of you who cherished this man. I truly am! You don't deserve this betrayal either. You trusted him. I'm just glad that those of you who did cherish him were not hurt by him too!
My heart goes out to his family. I can't imagine the hurt they feel.
My heart goes out to these girls. Not only do they have to defend themselves with the truth they will now have to defend themselves against some of society who feels they had no right to tell the truth because it involves someone respected in our community! That is not fair. They are going to be violated again by those who just don't want to believe the facts!
We all need to take this as our opportunity to speak to our kids....boys and girls! Remind them that it is not okay to feel unsafe with ANYONE! Remind them that they can talk to YOU about anything! I'm sure most have had these kinds of conversations with our your kids but sometimes as they are growing up they feel they should be able to handle things on their own....this kind of thing they just can't! Remind them no one has the right to hurt them in any way! No one!!!!
My heart and prayers go out to the victims, their families and the family of Mr. Dinkins. Not Mr. Dinkins himself! I'm not that nice!

Actually MJ I am a parent and he lied to the school for not taking responsibility for something that affected my son which my son happened to keep a record of knowing how DInkins operates. That was six years ago. When all was said and done, he admitted his wrongdoing and working with the principal it was resolved fairly quickly with my intervention. I think once all his supporters read the affidavit that is available to the public, they may not be so quick to defend this sick individual. It is ashame for his students who admired him and respected him to now be left with knowing what type of person he truly is. A selfish person who put no one but himself first.

@Warminster Resident - When I read the Complaint/Affidavit, I couldn't even go beyond the third victim statement. It was repulsive to say the least. These poor victims will have to relive this as the case goes to court and hopefully seek counseling so it minimizes the impact on them in their lives.

I believe in innocent until proven guilty, but he's already admitted to many of the accusations...I am not sure how anyone who reads that police report can defend him. Reading all these comments about how shocked people are and how well-loved he was, I am sure it was extremely hard for these girls to come forward. I am glad they did before his flirting/touching/etc got even more out of control.

I agree Jen. After reading all the comments from those who knew him and respected him, he took that to another level. He felt invincible and I guess his power and status got to his head. Sad to see all the good he had done will now be tarnished and he will be remembered for what is now to follow.

Here is the arrest warrant. He admitted to most of the charges.

http://media.nbcbayarea.com/documents/Dinkins+Criminal+Complaint+Issued+8-6-12.pdf

are u kidding me? how horriable to throw this teacher under a bus. warminster police and the girls who made this lie up should seriosuly re consider what they are doing. he was the best teacher tennent had. he is a chrisitan and cared for his students so much. the only thing he did was pat them on the butt for good work, so all the football coaches should be fired and arrested as well. smh what a joke.

Thanks for providing people with this so the naysayers can see the charges in print. I have no compassion for this guy but as has been stated, feel sorry for his family and those who were impacted by his disgusting behavior.

@Tiffany - First, anyone who hides behind their religious beliefs to condone their behavior is no better than the priests who did the same thing to all those young boys over the years. Wake up Tiffany - you might have a different viewpoint if you were one of these victims but it sounds like you are also cut from the same cloth condoning his disgusting behavior. I look forward to him having to fess up for what he has done and take the punishment that is due to him.

@Tiffany, did you read the report? It was not just patting behinds...it includes pinching, kissing and touching someone's breast. HE ADMITTED THESE THINGS. Why do you think it's a lie?

I hope this Monster is locked up for a long time, there was stories circulating for years, what did ya expect letting this preditor navigate the halls of a fine school like WT

While he did admit to some of the things in this report, you never know what REALLY happend. I personally went to Tennent was in Dinkins class and have never witnessed ANY incident of him making any student feel uncomfortable he was always easy to talk to and funny. And a musical genius. This is a shame bc now his reputation and career are runined. but you really never know what someone is like.... If all of what these girls are saying are lies I hope they feel responsible for ruining his life. The man has daughters! And a wife that is what is the shame of it. Prayers go to dinkins and his family bc all in all he was very talented and a HUGE asset to the music department at Tennent.

Just seeing the sympathy proves the point about the Dinkins spell. Read the report people and use your brains not your hearts.

Some of his students love him, he must have been great in there world. They have the right to feel what they feel. No need to bash them. The 8 students stated he did things that left them hurt and uncomfortable. He admitted to actions that at best should cost him his job. A day in court will hopefully clear this up. All his students lose here.they all have been left to deal with things that should never be. If this man was kind to you and has helped you then hold on to that! If he hurt you, you are people that didn't deserve this and he will be tried. Don't let people take away your strength hold strong to the truth.

Ingrid, who hurt you? Why attack these people who have a positive memory of him?

As a class of 2011 graduate and Stage and Technical Crew manager for all of Tennents plays for the past few years, I had one on one contact with Mr. Dinkins every day after school hours. He was a joyful, loveable man, who some might remember had to take time off for too much stress on his heart; he cared so deeply about the success of the music program at Tennent, and furthermore worked individually with each student to make sure they were achieving their best. Some of my classmates in the class of 2011 had voices like you wouldn't believe, and Dinkins pushed them to, for example, record demo tapes.
I can see where in a one on one situation Dinks could possibly slip up and make an inappropriate action towards a student because he was always so close with us, knew us so well. However, I do not believe that if he did do these things he is accused of, that they were done with any kind of intent on being deviant. He is by nature a light hearted person, and what I think is the most terrible part of this story is that Tennent has now lost a most brilliant choir teacher, when their music program has been dwindling for so many years.

Jeremiah - No one hurt me Jeremiah. I encourage those to keep the positive memories of what Mr. Dinkins contributed to their educational experience but also know that there are people with ill intent out there and feel they are above the law that lacke integrity or morals. The D.A. has in hand what they need to proceed with this case. As you stated, you only deem it as a day in court to get clarification. I think you are sadly mistaken and also mislead if that is the only consideratinon you are giving to what has happened. Hopefully no one will take advantage of you someday to make you reflect back upon these discussions. Sometimes in life, you need to learn some lessons sooner rather than later.

While this is all going on, the students who were under his supervision are in London performing during the Olympics which to his credit shows he certainly achieved success with the chorale program. Only Tyrone Dinkins will be able to explain his behavior this afternoon to the court. I would like to see the District put out some press on the London trip giving acknowledgement to those students who worked hard and earned their place to participate in this great learning experience.

I've read the arrest report, and Mr. Dinkins does appear to admit to, at minimum, serial sexual harassment. As Mike Ryan suggests, this probably didn't start this year. As an educator, Mr. Dinkins was entrusted with our children and was expected to behave in a professional, unbiased manner towards all of his students. Music teachers do not give a "pat on the butt" for a good song, nor do they pinch, hug, feel up, or simulate suggestive terms across the room, or text female students to tell them that they miss them. If found guilty, it will be proven that he was in a position of power and he used that position to his benefit to manipulate his victims, who felt helpless because they were afraid that he would harm them if they didn't do as he asked. Maybe not physically, but harm them via grades, or via performances or by not writing that college reference they needed. While my children left Tennent a few years ago, from reading all of the posts, I am quite sure that Mr. Dinkins has done some wonderful things for Tennent, but based upon the arrest report, he has admitted that he apparently has a weakness for young women that he was unable to control, and all of the support that is being shown for him here might be better served by reaching out to the victims who felt helpless when he was abusing them.

As a parent I have learned to never say never, not my child, not my spouse anything can happen. Believe me the truth will come out sooner or later and you do not want to look like a fool. Its fine to comment about how nice of a man he is just remember to never say never..... You don’t want to look like a fool or be told I told you so!!! It is a very unfortunate situation and I feel extremely bad for all involved. Sometimes I try to put myself into others shoes and if this did occur to my child, I would want justice severed... Reading the above comments, Dinkins is very well liked and supported, hearing this would be very hard to except for many. But as i said above the turth will come out!!

ebonyrenee45....
You show real class trying to turn a bad situation in to a reacial one. TRY READING THE COMPLAINT....he has admitted to police not the media that he acted inappropriately, that he acutally touched girls in place he should not. THIS IS NOT ABOUT RACE AND NOT ABOUT THE MEDIA....OPEN YOU EYES AND READ. ALSO CONSIDER THE YOUNG GIRLS. He may have the respect of a lot of students (and may deserve it) but he did admit to doing wrong by those girls and that he will be judged on. Most of you are basically saying he would not do this so the girls are lying...he admitted to it so show the same suppor to the girls you are showing to him.

What do you expect from a school that encourages females to not report any kind of harassment, They replaced the only authoriity figure who took it seriously and that was the previous principal. This teacher also only admitted to touching 1 female student who was 19yrs. I would question if these girls are all friends and just maybe it could be a case of a scorned woman. It would not excuse his serious lack of judgement. However no one can claim he is guilty without knowing the whole truth, and there is not one person on here who knows what that truth is. You are all just speculating and going under the impression that not one of these teenagers would ever lie to get their way...

Hey you folks don't gotta come attacking me. Your in alittle up roar about a situation in your community..well wake up things are messed up out here.try lliving in philadelphia. Yes this is about exploitation,race,media,scadel..etc..if I had 2 listen to everybodys 2cents I would be a millonaire..

If you read my comments I never once talked about what the girls accused him of ...I only said what Mr. Kinkins admitted to when interviewed by the police. After he admitted to patting their butts, hugging, kissing, rubbing their breasts you still say the girls are lying and are probably scorned women. No one said that he did not do a lot of good for many students but he did admit to some serious misconduct with some girls.

@ Ingrid just shut up... You sound stupid and you do not know all the facts as you were NOT there. He is Innocent until proven guilty as many have already said!

What gets me is that these girls all say he was texting them... Okay why did they give him their number? I mean honestly if u don't want someone to text you DON'T give them your number! Common sense dictates. On top of that in the police report it says only 2 of these girls were 16 the other 6 were 18 and 19... Soo they are ADULTS! And to add to that I went to Tennent and know first hand how some of the girls can act around there.... No offense!

I was in chorale and the chorus and vocal tech and me and some friends would stay after with dinkins for help on music and stuff and he never once was inappropriate or made any of us uncomfortable! He was nothing but help to us and was more of a friend then a teacher. Anything anyone says can ALWAYS be taken out of context remember that. It's like whisper down the lane... By the time it gets to the last person it's not what the first person said. I graduated in 2008 and in my time with mr dinkins as a teacher he was a great mentor and teacher. And my opinion of him will not chance, although he admitted to things, which may be true but my experience with him was a wonderful one.

I had a typo and meant to say Mr. Dinkins.

I just want to take a moment to remind everyone of Patch's Terms of Service: http://uppersouthampton.patch.com/terms We welcome and encourage your comments but please keep the conversation civil and appropriate.

He has nowt been sentenced to prison in lieu of $800,000 bail. Sounds like there will be no tolerance for this disgusting behavior.

@ebonyrenee45 - Your point is well made. Not only is the District to take responsibility but also the parents who show little interest in their child's education. Until people take responsibility and get their priorities in order, nothing is going to change unfortunately. People need to take their own initiative and not expect the gov't to come in and fix everything because it ain't gonna happen.

@Brooke - not even going to respond further and lower myself to your level.

I would like to request that the author of this article please put up the affidavit where Dinkins admitted his guilt to all of these charges. To not have all the facts posted creates division between the community and is irresponsible reporting.

On a personal note I would like to add that we are all human, capable of some the most wonderous things imaginable, but as well as some of the most evil things imaginable in the same breathe. I know Dinkins was a hero to many, some of whom are my friends, but those good actions do not justify this sever violation of trust and human dignity. His actions over the past few years are heinous in nature and he should be reprimanded for them to the full extent of the law.

This is the link to the police report where Dinkins was interviewed by Corporal Batistini in reponse to the allegations and he ADMITTED FULL GUILT TO ALL CHARGES.
http://media.nbcbayarea.com/documents/Dinkins+Criminal+Complaint+Issued+8-6-12.pdf

Remember there are victims to this tragedy, Dinkins is not one of them.

The affidavit is attached to this article.
http://warminster.patch.com/articles/dinkins-surrenders-to-police-faces-multiple-felony-charges

I hope that I have taught my daughter to be as strong as these young ladies are. For anyone to accuse these girls of making these allegations up when you can read the affidavit that clearly states that Mr Dinkins admitted to doing these horrible things to these girls is outrageous.

for all of you that dont know how to work the internet and click links to read here is a quote from the police report regarding what dinkins admitted to

On June 28, 2012 I interviewd Tyrone Dinkins, He admitted he flirted with femal students and that he had mouthed to them things like "Olive Juice" which looks like "I love you" and I want to vacuum", which looks like another phrase "I want to F$%^ you." he also admitted to patting and slapping femal students on the butt and to punching them, including punching a female students breast while at school

I asked dinkens to tell me about the incident when he told a female student that he had a dream abot her and took her into the digital music room. dinkins stated that he did have a dream about a student. he stated that he walked up behind her and gave her a hug. i asked him if he kissed her on the neck, he said yes, i asked him if this was in the digitial music room. he stated yes. i asked him what the make of the girl was and he stated C7. i asked dinkins if he rubbed her breasts when he hugged her. he stated no then he stated that it was possible that his hand accidentlly brushed her breast. i asked dinkins if he has texted his students he stated that he does

Remember that when at school, the school/teachers are acting as the students' parents - Disgusted by what has happened to these girls by their "parent".. As bad or worse then this trauma is being attacked by their community after he admitted to the police what happened. This is never OK.
He has children - girls -Ugh...If I were Mrs. Dinkins I would worry for them. I agree with "Honest Mom"; the teachers will definitely suffer from his poor decisions too. Everything they do is going to be overly scrutinized.

All good teachers know there is a line you do not cross. All good teachers know they are not there to be any child's friend. They are there to teach and guide! Thankfully we do have so many good teachers in our district. This man had no right to blemish the good intentions of the good teachers.

Honestly I'm floored that so many are unable to believe this man is a predator even when he admits to sexual comments and actions. I am floored that some have had the audacity to downplay what happened to some of the girls in our community.
I don't give a rat's behind if a girl walked around in a tight dress, tank top or for that matter a bikini....no one and I mean NO ONE has the right to touch, feel or slap any girl, any woman who doesn't want to be touched!
My heart goes out to these girls. I applaud their bravery in coming forward. They are saving more girls from ever having to be hurt in any way from this predator. As the mother of children in this district I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

Sorry for the late comments (I've been away on vacation). I believe Dinkins is guilty, guilty of accepting employment in a mostly lower middle class, white, Warminster/Upper Southampton area high school while being a large black man with dread locks, the stereotypical "other." Once I went away to college, it became more apparent to me the level of racism that existed at that high school. Good luck to Dinkins as he goes through the process of dealing with these charges, based on many of the comments (when child molestation is alleged, it's more like "guilty until proven innocent), he's going to need it. From some of the supportive comments, it's obvious Dinkins isn't the dirty old man in a trench coat some of his accusers and detractors claim he is. BTW never talk to the police without your lawyer when being interrogated, they aren't as interested in finding the one who committed the crime, more like looking to for someone to pin a crime on; after your words have been twisted to mean something other than the message you we're trying to communicate when you spoke to the police, is the wrong time to wish you had said something different or used different words. Remember whenever you talk to the police be careful, they don't call criminal court an adversarial process for nothing, they are one of those adversaries.