MEMPHIS, Tenn. (FOX13) – Marcus Latrell Matthews, 44, an assistant principal at White Station Middle School, was arrested on charges of aggravated rape. According to court documents, Matthews was indicted by a Grand Jury last Thursday for an alleged incident that took place in May 2024.
Sheriff’s deputies escorted Matthews out of the school on Tuesday after he was taken into custody. At the time of the arrest, Matthews was placed on investigative leave by the Memphis-Shelby County School District (MSCS). The district assured the community that the safety of both students and staff remains a priority.
According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, further details about the case are not yet available, but the arrest does not appear to involve immigration enforcement. The incident is still under investigation.
The arrest has shocked the local community, as White Station Middle School staff and families were not initially informed of the situation. “I did not know anything about it. My daughter would have mentioned it,” said White Station grandparent Marvin Pender.
Dr. Matthews has had a long career in the Mid-South education system. According to his LinkedIn profile, Matthews has worked at several schools in the region, including Hamilton High School, Craigmont Middle School, and Frayser Community Schools. He also holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate from the University of Memphis.
Matthews is currently being held in jail on a $100,000 bond while awaiting further legal proceedings.
