JACKSBORO, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A veteran Campbell County teacher, with more than a third of a century in the classroom faces some very serious charges in a ten count indictment.

Harolyn Dean Branam is charged with three felonies and seven misdemeanors: three counts of sexual battery by an authority figure, and seven counts of assault.

"He always seemed like such a wholesome, loving person. He's always worked with kids," a former student told Volunteer News. "Yeah, it really surprises me that this is happening, it doesn't seem like he is the kind of person who would do it," she said.

For 34 years, Branum worked with elementary and middle school aged children in Campbell County.

But about three weeks ago, seven students-- ages 12 to 14--told investigators Mr. Branam had unlawful contact with them at Jacksboro Middle School.

"When we heard about it, we put him on suspension with pay, because it was just a rumor and we don't know exactly what was going on," said Dr. Karen Bundren of Campbell County Schools.

That happened the week before Campbell County Schools went on spring break. During the break, Branam was indicted. The same day, he turned in papers for his retirement.

"He was just a really funny and fun-loving guy. He did everything he could to help a student," his former student told Volunteer News.

The Jacksboro Police Department says these alleged incidents started at the beginning of the school year.

Branam was arrested on March 27th, but is out on $10,000 bond.

The school system told us if Branam is convicted, it will be up to the state department to decide whether or not he continues to get his retirement benefits.

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CAMPBELL COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A veteran Campbell County teacher now faces a ten-count indictment alleging that he assaulted seven girls and sexually touched three of them.

Harolyn Dean Branam is charged with three counts of sexual battery by an authority figure for allegedly "knowingly and recklessly [engaged] in sexual contact" with one 14-year-old girl and two 13-year-old girls, according to the indictment.

He's charged with three counts of assault in connection with the three alleged sexual battery victims, and he's facing four additional counts of assault stemming from four more alleged victims, the indictment shows.

In total, Branam's alleged victims include three 14-year-old girls, three 13-year-old girls, and one 12-year-old girl, according to the indictment.

He was arrested on March 27, posted a $10,000 bond and was released.

The indictment stems from a Jacksboro Police Department investigation.

Branam has been suspended from the school district where he's taught for about 30 years, and sources say he has since turned in paperwork for retirement.

You can read the entire indictment against Branam HERE