HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss. (BNc)- A deacon of the Holly Springs church faces charges of sexual battery and molestation of two girls where he taught school.

Chris Mirante taught music at Marshall Academy, a small private, evangelical school in Holly Springs.

Mirante, who is married, is charged with one count of sexual battery involving a juvenile and one count of molestation involving another girl, according to a news report yesterday by WMC-TV, a Memphis, Tenn.-based station.

The school issued a statement, not available on its website, which said in part, “Marshall Academy is shocked and saddened to learn about the criminal allegations.”

Mirante directed the school’s Patriot Singers, a performing group present for many events in Holly Springs. He also directed several plays for the school.

A school spokesperson said Mirante has been let go as a Marshall Academy employee, WMC-TV reported.

Mirante was released from jail Tuesday afternoon after posting a $50,000 bond.

Authorities said more charges could be made and more victims may yet appear.

BNc is seeking contact with the Holly Springs church on how they are handling the affair.

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