Dr. Edd Joyner was arraigned today in Weakley County Circuit Court. No plea was given. Attorney Lang Unger is representing Joyner. The next court date is set for June 4.

Joyner, interim chair of computer science in the College of Business and Public Affairs, has been suspended with pay after a grand jury indicted Joyner last week on charges of aggravated sexual battery.

Spokesman for the university, Bud Grimes, said that the campus was surprised by the allegations.

"The university community is dismayed and shocked at these allegations and the grand jury indictment. We are conferring with UT legal counsel regarding how we should proceed and remain in compliance with all applicable laws," Grimes said in a statement released Tuesday, May 4.

Martin Police Department investigator Sammy Liles said the charge stems from a multi-agency investigation into allegations that Joyner "unlawfully and inappropriately" touched an 11-year-old hearing-impaired girl.

Investigators said the victim lives in the West Tennessee area, but does not reside in Weakley County.

Liles said that when confronted with the allegations, Joyner confessed to touching the girl.

The Pacer will update you after the court hearing on June 4.