Rape counts involve 3 boys

 December 16, 1997 | Chattanooga Times Free Press (TN)

 | Page: A1 | Section: A1
301 Words

Television meteorologist Daryl Wayne McCollister was arrested by Chattanooga police Monday night on three counts of statutory rape. Authorities said that McCollister, 43, allegedly had sex with three boys under age 18. McCollister, known on the air simply as Daryl Wayne, was picked up by police Monday afternoon at the NewsChannel 9 Science Theater at Northgate Mall. He was questioned by detectives at the Police Services Center on Amnicola Highway before being arrested. Police also searched the Science Theater and McCollister's duplex home at 110B Yother Lane. Police seized a computer from the Science Theater, and some additional property was taken from McCollister's home. Police computer expert Sgt. Mike Twitty was also called to McCollister's home by detectives Monday afternoon. Twitty usually assists detectives in searching suspects' computers and with any computer-related investigations. Authorities describe the investigation into McCollister's alleged sexual misconduct as "ongoing and progressive" and remain noncommittal about the details. After his arrest, McCollister was suspended from his job as director of the Science Theater. Channel 9 News Director Steve Hunsicker said that McCollister was relieved of duty "until a determination's made that he's guilty or not guilty." "Police did tell us," said Hunsicker, "that none of the alleged activity had anything to do with the Science Theater." All shows in the Science Theater have been canceled until after the first of the year. The Science Theater provides live presentations on scientific topics for school children. More than 200,000 students have visited the Science Theater since it started in 1991. McCollister's duties primarily kept him at the Science Theater, but he occasionally made on-air appearances. Attorney Don Poole arrived at the Police Services Center to consult with McCollister before his arrest was processed. The case is being investigated by Lt. Steve Angel and Det. Tim Carroll. (Mary Rehyansky contributed to this story.)

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