Former Arkansas Band Director Found Dead One Day After Being Charged For Sexually Assaulting Student

A former Arkansas band director was found dead Saturday, just one day after being charged for carrying out an inappropriate sexual relationship with a former student. 

Randall Mealer, 56, was charged with 50 counts of first-degree sexual assault. According to the criminal complaint, he reportedly engaged in “sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity with the victim on at least 50 occasions,” according to the criminal complaint. 

Newton County Times reports that Mealer allegedly carried out a sexual relationship with a single victim while employed with the Harrison School District in 2017 and 2018. Prosecutors are not aware of any additional victims in the case. 

Mealer was booked into Boone County Jail on Friday and posted a $75,000 bond. It was not immediately made clear how or where he died. Stone County investigators are not looking for any suspects in Mearler’s death. Officials do not suspect any foul play was involved.

The superintendent for the school district issued a statement saying they are cooperating fully in the investigation.

“Harrison Schools places the highest value on the safety of all students,” Pratt said in a statement. “We were notified by the Harrison Police Department of their investigation and recent charges regarding Mr. Mealer. The school district is cooperating fully with all agencies involved in the investigation.”