By Billy Davis

The South Panola High teacher who is accused of tricking male students for sexual gratification was once accused of using a similar tactic at Delta State University.

Marion Strickland, 24, was accused of posing as a men’s magazine representative to obtain photos of fully clothed young men at Delta State, The Panolian learned last week.

The university handled the incident internally and no criminal charges were filed according to a Delta State official who was contacted by the newspaper.

Delta State personnel would not disclose when Strickland was a student at the university, and it was not clear if he was allowed to complete his education at the school or transferred elsewhere.

Strickland, an English teacher, was fired last week. He is facing a single count of enticing a child for the purpose of sexual activity, a felony that carries up to 40 years in prison if convicted.

A criminal investigation is ongoing and could result in additional charges of enticing other students at the high school.

Parents who are familiar with the investigation allege Strickland tried to trick male students into giving him personal information.

The Miss. Bureau of Investigations is leading the investigation, which also involves Batesville police.

Strickland has been in jail since last week with his bond set at $500,000.

He is set for a November 6 appearance in Justice Court and has obtained an attorney according to law enforcement officials.

South Panola trustees met last Friday for a special meeting in which Dr. Keith Shaffer, the South Panola superintendent, explained Strickland’s firing.

Shaffer said Strickland was put on administrative leave Wednesday after his arrest, then he was fired when Shaffer learned additional information from investigators.

No action was taken at the school board meeting, where Shaffer announced his plan to retire to pursue a new job opportunity.