Internet Sex Sting Nabs Three; One Suspect A High School Teacher

An Internet sex sting in Cleburne County lands three men in jail. Police busted Paul Wilson of Blytheville, David Lloyd Collins of North Little Rock and John Tipton of Bigelow by posing as an underage girl online.

Cleburne County Sheriff Marty Moss says when the men showed up for sex they were instead met by his deputies and police from Heber Springs.

One of those men, John Tipton, is a teacher and coach at the East End School District in Bigelow.

"I was very shocked. I didn't believe it and I still don't," said Lauran Mabry.

The past few days have been difficult for Mabry, a 2008 graduate of Bigelow High School, and a former student and athlete for Tipton. He works as a history teacher plus football and girls' softball for the Panthers.

'He was like your dad," she said. "He was always there for you."

But according to the Cleburne County Sheriff's Department, Tipton is one of three men arrested for soliciting sex from a minor over the Internet. It was part of an ongoing sex sting by Cleburne County and Heber Springs Police tracking down online stalkers.

"It's probably the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with," Mabry said.

It's hard because Mabry says Tipton was a role model for her and teammate Erica Davis.

"I've known him for four years," Davis said. "He's always been there for us when we've had a problem. You see it in other towns, other places, but not with our Coach Tipton."

News of Tipton's arrest has also been difficult for East End School Superintendent Myra Graham.

"The district is disturbed by this charge," she said. "My first priority is to protect the students and the school district. Mr. Tipton will have no contact with the students until this investigation is complete."

Graham says that investigation could lead to further action against the 28-year-old teacher and coach. But since school is not currently in session she has taken no official action yet.

Prosecutors have yet to charge Tipton and the other two men, but police say that will likely come within the next three weeks. Tipton is expected to appear in court July 7.