News 12 at 6 o'clock, May 5, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga.---A mother is accusing a former band director of having sex with her teenage daughter. Now neighbors tell News 12 the teacher held band practice at his home, and he admits to sleepovers at school.

Former band director Anthony Shelton is being investigated for allegedly having sex with a 16-year-old student.

It's something mother Dale Redfern hates to hear. Her son goes to Butler High School, where the teacher formerly taught.

"More and more of it is happening nowadays and the world is just changing," Redfern says.

The sixteen-year-old's mother says it happened in the band room, and that Shelton had sex with her daughter up to eight times a week.

This allegation of inappropriate behavior is not the first.

During the board's investigation Shelton admitted he let students have sleepovers at school when he was responsible for them. All that led to his resignation in February.

"I just feel like there is that line and it needs to stop," Redfern said.

Shelton's neighbors tell News 12 he held band practice at his home as early as last summer when he started the job.

Principal Dr. Walter Reeves says he wasn't aware of any of these practices and they are against school policy.

"It's upsetting and I don't know how relationships like this could happen," Redfern said.

Shelton's case isn't the first in our area. In February South Carolina teacher Allenna Ward pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct with five teenage boys.

Last November Barnwell teacher Steven Walling faced child sex charges involving fourth and fifth grade girls.

Dale says it's harder for teachers today, because kids are more mature.

"I think the teacher needs to draw the line. I think the teacher needs to say, 'hey this is going too far. You're my student,'" she said.

News 12 tried to contact Anthony Shelton; he refused to comment.

He has not been charged in the case.

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office is now investigating these allegations by this mother. Investigators cannot charge him until they speak with the alleged victim. She now lives in Atlanta, but they hope to speak to her this week.