Former Picayune ROTC instructor arrested for sexual battery

A former Picayune Memorial High School NJROTC instructor was arrested Wednesday by the Picayune Police Department for six counts of sexual battery of a minor.

According to a statement from Picayune Police Chief Bryan Dawsey, detectives with the Picayune Police Department, along with the Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, arrested Steven Todd Hardin, 48, of 2714 45th Street Meridian, was arrested at Northeast Lauderdale High School where he is currently employed.

The arrest comes after complaints received by the Picayune Police Department and the Picayune School District regarding alleged inappropriate conduct.

Hardin was indicted by a Pearl River County Grand Jury and is currently being transported to the Lenior-Rowell correctional facility in Pearl River County, reported Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri.

“In today’s society, we are seeing too many times where teachers are having sexual contact with children. The Picayune Police Department is determined to remove these sexual predators from our city. We fully expect to prosecute Mr. Hardin to the fullest extent of the law,” Dawsey said in his statement. “There is no place in society for these types of people and we are determined to bring him to justice. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victim and the victim’s family and we hope that the arrest of this predator will help bring some peace of mind to the family.”

WRJW will bring you more information as it becomes available.