Thursday, I had the incomprehensible task of writing about a man accused of allegedly taking advantage of at least one of his students.

Placed in a position of trust and authority, this man is facing charges that he dishonored his position as an educator and as a military man. If these allegations are proven to be true, it’s despicable enough to harm a minor, but to do so in a military uniform under the tenets of American values is unfathomable.

The Picayune Police Department employs the most dedicated investigators, detectives and officers I’ve ever seen. The expedited process taken to put this man behind bars is commendable and if he’s convicted, I hope it will bring some sense of justice to the alleged victim.

Details concerning the alleged incidents are few due to the ongoing nature of the case. A trial by a jury of his peers still has to be held.

I couldn’t agree more with Picayune Police Chief Bryan Dawsey when he said that incidents of teachers having sexual contact with children are happening far too often.

Schools should be a safe haven for our children, not a place where they feel victimized.

It is my personal hope that if this man is found guilty, he is prosecuted to the fullest extent possible, receives the maximum sentence and is never, ever allowed near a school or child again.