Former Blount Co. teacher pleads guilty to offensive touching [Video]

BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — Blount County District Attorney General Ryan Desmond confirmed a former Blount County Schools employee pleaded guilty to several assault charges this week over five incidents seen on camera at two elementary schools.

Deputies arrested Joseph Michael Dalton in January over five incidents involving elementary school students after the DA’s office filed charges against him. The DA said he pleaded guilty to five assault counts of offensive touching on Sept. 4 and his sentencing is set for Nov. 6, Desmond said.

A Blount County Schools spokesperson sent 10News this statement about Dalton: 

“Student safety is a top priority for Blount County Schools. Our district works in collaboration with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Children’s Services and the State Department of Education. We are dedicated to maintaining a …