A former Creek Wood High School girls basketball coach who pleaded guilty to statutory rape by an authority figure and was sentenced to 12 years in prison is now out after serving only eight.
In April 2016, a Dickson County Grand Jury indicted John Thomas “Tom” Mullinicks Jr., then 46, on multiple charges, including four counts of rape, four counts of rape by an authority figure, and one count of solicitation of a minor.
Authorities launched an investigation after reports surfaced of his inappropriate conduct with students.
Creek Wood High School immediately placed him on leave, and Mullinicks resigned from his teaching and coaching duties shortly afterward.
By January 2018, Mullinicks pleaded guilty in Dickson County Circuit Court to statutory rape by an authority figure.
Judge Suzanne Lockert-Mash sentenced him to 12 years in state prison, with credit for time served in jail.
According to court records, he was also ordered to have no contact with the victim and was placed on the Sex Offender Registry for life.
Prosecutors presented evidence during the case, including text messages and letters exchanged between Mullinicks and the victim.
The charges involved allegations that Mullinicks, using his position of trust and authority, engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with a student between October 2015 and February 2016.
Despite his 12-year sentence, Mullinicks has now been released after serving just eight years.
His release has drawn concern in the Dickson community, with residents warning others about his return.
“This man is dangerous; please be aware of this predator,” one community member, Jaime Drinnen, wrote on Facebook.
Mullinicks, now in his 50s, remains a registered sex offender for life.
He is currently living in Dickson, where community members are urging vigilance to protect children and families.
