The principal of Dade County High School in Trenton is facing additional felony charges, including rape, child molestation and aggravated sexual battery, following his arrest last week in an ongoing investigation into alleged sexual misconduct.

Joseph “Brent” Cooper was initially arrested October 29 on two counts of improper sexual contact by an employee, agent or foster parent, according to the Dade County Sheriff’s Office.

New arrest warrant affidavits obtained by Chattanooga television station WTVC NewsChannel 9 outline additional allegations involving two individuals who were minors during at least part of the periods described in the warrants.

According to the affidavits, one rape allegation involves an incident or incidents alleged to have occurred between January 1, 2017, and June 30, 2020, at a residence on Meadowbrook Lane in Trenton. The individual identified in that allegation was reportedly between 16 and 19 years old during the period specified.

A separate warrant accuses Cooper of child molestation and aggravated sexual battery involving a child who was approximately eight years old. Those alleged offenses reportedly occurred between August 13, 2019, and August 13, 2020, at the same residence.

The investigation began after a school resource officer received information concerning possible misconduct. The Dade County Sheriff’s Office subsequently opened an investigation that led to Cooper’s initial arrest.

Following that arrest, Dade County Schools Superintendent Josh Ingle announced that Cooper had been placed on administrative leave. Two assistant principals were assigned to oversee daily operations at Dade County High School with assistance from district administrators.

School officials have said the district is cooperating with law enforcement and remains focused on maintaining a safe learning environment for students and staff.

Investigators have described the case as an active and ongoing investigation.

The Dade County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with additional information, or anyone who believes they may have been a victim, to contact its Criminal Investigations Division at 706-657-3233 or by email at tips@dadesheriff.com.

The allegations remain criminal accusations, and Cooper is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.