Arrest Warrant Issued for Former Tennent Choral Director

Bucks County District Attorney David Heckler and Warminster Police Chief Michael Murphy have issued an arrest warrant for former William Tennent vocal director Tyrone Dinkins.

According to a release, the Warminster Police Department received a complaint of inappropriate contact between a teacher and several students at William Tennent High School.  The police department launched an intensive investigation into this complaint, with the full cooperation of the Centennial School District, the release said.  

Dinkins is charged with multiple counts related to unlawful contact with a minor.  These charges stem from incidents which were reported just prior to the end of the school year.  Eight victims have been identified and all the incidents took place at .  The school district placed Mr. Dinkins on administrative leave from his position with the school district.  

Members of the William Tennent Madrigals to perform at several venues in the United Kingdom, coinciding with the 2012 Olympic games. The trip had been sent last year by Dinkins, who also events for the tour. Centennial officials declined to comment on Dinkins' sudden departure before the June graduation ceremonies and the Olympic trip. 

Minutes after the announcement of the arrest warrant, Centennial Superintendent Dr. Jenny Cressman released the following statement:

Our students’ safety and welfare are always our primary concern. The Centennial School District is extremely concerned by the very serious allegations against High School Choral Director Mr. Tyrone Dinkins.  The School District immediately placed Mr. Dinkins on administrative leave and contacted the appropriate authorities.  We are fortunate to have such good partners in Chief Michael Murphy and Warminster Township Police Department. The School District’s primary concern at this time is to attend to the needs of our students. 

Counselors, school psychologists, and social workers are available for any student or staff member who would like to talk with someone. Students can contact a caring adult with whom to speak by calling their school office.  The school district administration and the district’s attorney will be available to meet with parents, staff, and students about the situation. Again, our primary concern is our students’ welfare, and we take very seriously any allegations of inappropriate conduct.

Arrangements have been made for Dinkins, who lives in Oreland, to surrender himself at the Magisterial District Court offices of Daniel Finello at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday for arraignment.