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A former Jacksonville High School band director has turned himself in on a second-degree sexual assault warrant after an investigation triggered by a call to a child abuse hotline revealed alleged inappropriate contact with a student.
Kendrick Moore, of North Little Rock, is the Jacksonville High School Band Director Accused of Second Degree Sexual Assault of a Student in Arkansas, who surrendered to authorities on July 24, 2026, on a warrant from the Jacksonville Police Department. Moore was released on his own recognizance by the Jacksonville District Court and is scheduled to appear in court on August 12, 2026. According to an affidavit, the investigation began after a call was made to a child abuse hotline in June, reporting that Moore allegedly placed his hands inside a student's pants in a sexual manner. Moore is no longer employed by the Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District, which posted a listing for a new band director on June 30. Moore holds a state teaching license for instrumental and vocal music effective through December 31, 2030.
The Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District confirmed it has fully cooperated with the Jacksonville Police Department throughout the investigation and communicated directly with families, encouraging anyone with relevant information to assist law enforcement. Jacksonville Police are asking anyone who believes they may be an additional victim or who has relevant information to contact department detectives.
The factual information above was sourced from arkansasonline.com as of July 24, 2026. The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.
When a school band director is accused of sexually assaulting a student, families may have significant civil legal options beyond the criminal process. Legal Herald editor Paul Amess spoke with Arkansas sexual abuse attorney Joshua Gillespie about the civil legal avenues that may be available in cases involving alleged sexual misconduct by a school music educator.
Paul Amess: Joshua, when a school band director is accused of sexually assaulting a student, what civil legal options may be available to families?
Joshua Gillespie: Cases involving the alleged sexual assault of a student by a school music educator raise serious civil liability questions. Band directors and music teachers often develop close relationships with their students through intensive rehearsals, after-school programs, and performances — a dynamic that can create opportunities for misconduct if adequate supervision is not in place. Families may have civil claims not only against the individual accused but also against the school district, particularly if questions arise about the adequacy of oversight and whether any warning signs were present and unaddressed.
Paul Amess: In cases where the investigation was triggered by a report to a child abuse hotline rather than an internal school report, does that raise questions about institutional awareness?
Joshua Gillespie: It can. When information about potential misconduct first reaches authorities through an outside tip rather than through the school's own reporting mechanisms, it raises legitimate questions about whether the institution had any prior knowledge of concerning behavior and whether its internal reporting culture and policies were sufficient. These are exactly the kinds of questions a civil attorney will examine when evaluating a potential claim against an institution.
Paul Amess: What would you say to a family in Arkansas whose child was allegedly subjected to sexual misconduct by a school employee?
Joshua Gillespie: Please speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Time limits apply to civil claims in Arkansas, and early legal guidance gives families the clearest picture of their rights and options. An initial consultation is completely confidential and free of charge — no family should have to navigate this process alone.
If your child was allegedly sexually assaulted or subjected to inappropriate conduct by a teacher, coach, or school employee in Arkansas, you may have the right to pursue civil action and recover financial compensation. Contact The Legal Herald today to be connected with an experienced Arkansas sexual abuse attorney for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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