ADA — The arrest of a Homer Elementary School music teacher Tuesday on suspicion of child molestation has troubled the small school district east of Ada.

Ada police arrested Jeff Dallen, 48, after interviewing him following a complaint from a student’s parent. Pontotoc County District Attorney Chris Ross said charges have not been filed. Bail was set at $200,000.

Homer Schools Superintendent Todd Crabtree said he was shocked by Dallen’s arrest.

"We didn’t know anything until just prior to his arrest Tuesday evening,” he said. Crabtree said Dallen came to the school from similar positions in Tupelo and Wewoka and that Dallen passed a background check when he was hired by the district.

"That’s why this is so shocking,” Crabtree said. "Protection and safety of our students is the number one priority for us, especially today, but every day.”

Dallen’s wife, Vicki, is the principal of the lower elementary school .

According to a court affidavit filed by Detective Kathi Johnston, the victim was taken to the Ada CARE Cottage on Tuesday after telling a cousin "her music teacher had been touching her” and accusing Dallen of "putting his hands down her pants” while the class watched a movie.

Court papers allege Dallen confessed that his contact with the student started last November and the latest contact was Oct. 9. He also admitted molesting two others at the school, court papers state.