Former Creek Wood Girls Basketball Coach Is Out of Prison Early After Pleading Guilty to Statutory Rape, Originally Sentenced to 12 Year

Local parents are urged to remain vigilant to protect children in the wake of Mullinicks’s release.

September 26, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 26, 2026

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 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 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, 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.

• Check other Articles on

Related articles

May 15, 2026

May 15, 2026

May 14, 2026

May 14, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

Share article

- May 15, 2026 Jerry Lee Singleton, a 1974 graduate of DeKalb High School, where he was a standout athlete, has passed away at 70. Singleton was born on...

- May 15, 2026 Residents living along Blackwell Road in Huthwaite are calling for urgent action after a group of children was repeatedly caught kicking front doors and...

- May 14, 2026 Howard Paul Sr., a graduate of Black River High School, tragically passed away. Paul was born on September 15, 1951, to his father, Arthur, and...

- May 14, 2026 A disturbing act of violence at Steven's Park in Allentown has left residents shaken and demanding answers after a witness took to social media...

- May 13, 2026 Residents of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, are raising serious concerns after a series of violent incidents involving a group of young boys who have been targeting...