NewsChannel 5.com - Nashville, Tennessee - Suspect Arrested on 125 Counts Of Sexual Charges

Suspect Arrested on 125 Counts Of Sexual Charges

SPARTA, Tenn. - A 53-year-old Doyle man was arrested on 125 counts of sexual-related charges. Investigators said Selby Seals, was booked into the White County Jail on Thursday morning.

White County Sheriff's Detective Chris Isom said Seals has been charged with 15 counts of child rape, 70 counts of sexual battery by an authority figure, and 40 counts of aggravated sexual battery.

Seals worked as a piano teacher, a tutor and a basketball coach. Seals' closest friends are shocked by the allegations.

For the past 14 years Selby Seals worked at Jongee's Gifts and Fine Furnishings.

"Everybody loved him," said colleague Elizabeth Hale. "He has a kind heart. A good heart.  He was always looking out for the underdog."

Officials said Seals abused multiple victims some younger than 13 years of age.

"Rape of a child, sexual battery by an authority figure and aggravated sexual battery," said Isom. "Yes, we have corroborating evidence that supports what the children are saying."

Junior Seibers runs a salon next to Seals' home. He believed the accusations came up because of a disagreement about money between Seals and the victims' family.

"He's like my brother," said Seibers. "This did not happen. This did not happen. He loved that family."

Investigators said they are searching only for the truth.

"It's important because the children of White County are our future, if someone did that to a child they need to be brought to justice. If they're innocent they need to be cleared," said Isom.

Isom said the investigation spanned several months and was conducted by the White County Sheriff's Office and the local district attorney.

Seals is in the White County Jail Friday night on a $2.4 million bond.