Teacher charged with sexual battery following report of inappropriate behavior at STEM Prep Academy

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Youth Services detectives arrested a Clarksville man Thursday after a 13-year-old reported he touched her inappropriately while he was working as a teacher at a Nashville charter school, officials said.

According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), the student said Michael Ligon fondled and kissed her during his employment at STEM Preparatory Academy last school year. An investigation, which began in April, revealed other students had similarly inappropriate interactions.

Authorities said STEM Prep placed Ligon on paid administrative leave after the first accusation was reported in April. He was then was hired by KIPP Academy in July while still on paid leave from STEM Prep.

On Thursday, Aug. 29, police said they arrested the 36-year-old for one count of sexual battery by an authority figure, but additional charges are expected. He is currently being held in Downtown Detention Center on a $75,000 bond.

In addition, officials said KIPP Academy fired Ligon Thursday.

As this investigation continues, anyone with information about Ligon’s behavior around minors is asked to call MNPD’s Youth Services Division at 615-862-7417.