A now-former high school physics teacher is being held without bond in the Jackson County (Miss.) Adult Detention Center, charged with sexual battery after being accused of an “inappropriate” relationship with a student.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office arrested James Donald Hawkins II Thursday afternoon. Minutes after the sheriff’s office released the arrest information to media, the Ocean Springs School District followed with a release saying Hawkins had been terminated.

“OSSD is deeply troubled by the arrest and charges announced today by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department involving one of our teachers,” the school district statement read. “James Hawkins was terminated from OSSD when district officials were informed of his arrest and subsequent charges by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department this evening.”

Hawkins, 38, had worked for the Ocean Springs School District for the school district since 2022. He made his initial appearance in Jackson County Circuit Court Friday afternoon.

Judge Calvin Taylor followed the district attorney’s office recommendation that Hawkins be held without bond — with that recommendation based on “conversations Hawkins had with investigators after his arrest,” according to the sheriff’s office.

Hawkins was not accompanied by an attorney at Friday’s hearing. He told Taylor he is married with a young daughter.

The sheriff’s office said additional charges against Hawkins are possible.

“We are working with investigators and will assist them in any way possible,” the school district said in its statement. “The safety of our students and staff members remains the highest priority of OSSD and the charges against Hawkins are disturbing and intolerable.”