The allegations first drew public attention in late May 2025 following a report by The Roys Report, which suggested that Caner may have been aware of misconduct by Reynolds but failed to act until law enforcement became involved.

Claims From Former Student Trigger Review

A former student and staff member, Hayle Swinson, has come forward as one of the individuals accusing Reynolds of inappropriate behavior during her time at Truett McConnell University. Swinson, a student-athlete and later a women’s soccer coach from 2013 to 2018, described the alleged misconduct in detail.

According to Swinson, Reynolds sent her over 300 highly inappropriate emails, some referencing sexually explicit subjects such as “wet dreams.” She also said Reynolds touched her inappropriately during discipleship classes held at his home and alleged she was subjected to "digital rape."

“I was groomed, I was confused, I was targeted,” Swinson said. “I felt isolated, like I was alone... It took, and it has taken, and it will take years of my life to unwind every lie that was told to me.”

Board of Trustees Responds With Action

In response to the public allegations and media scrutiny, the university’s Board of Trustees met the previous Friday to address the matter. The board placed President Caner on administrative leave to allow for an impartial investigation.

The board also voted to bring in Richard Hyde from Phoenix Research LLC to lead the third-party review into how the university handled the allegations related to Reynolds. John Yarbrough has been appointed acting president during the investigation period.

“The TMU Board of Trustees met out of genuine concern and with broken hearts,” the university said in a public statement. The university emphasized the need for a thorough, unbiased investigation to uphold its standards.

Timeline and Details of Previous Law Enforcement Probe

The allegations against Reynolds were previously known to the university in February 2024, when he informed leadership that he was under investigation by the White County Sheriff’s Office for an inappropriate relationship, according to a TMU statement issued on May 30, 2024.

The university claimed that Reynolds was immediately placed on administrative leave upon that notification and that his employment ended days later. Authorities looked into “hundreds of graphic emails” sent from Reynolds’ personal Yahoo email account during their investigation.

Although law enforcement officials eventually closed the case in early summer 2024, citing a lack of evidence to prosecute, the university criticized Reynolds’ actions as “abhorrent, immoral, manipulative, and unethical.”

University Statement on Institutional Policies

Truett McConnell University defended its handling of the situation by stating that no formal Title IX or human resources complaint had been filed during the course of the alleged misconduct. The university said that if such a complaint had been submitted, Reynolds would have been investigated and dismissed earlier.

TMU added, “Whenever complaints of sexual discrimination, harassment or other misconduct are reported, investigations are promptly initiated and timely concluded, with all parties being apprised of the status and outcome.”

The university has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a Christ-centered and safe environment for all students and staff amidst the turmoil.

Whistleblower Allegation Responded To

As the story unfolded, The Roys Report also claimed that former Title IX Coordinator Jonathan Morris may have been dismissed for acting as a whistleblower in the case. TMU disputed this, offering documentation for a different reason for his departure.

The university stated that Morris resigned amid allegations of personal misuse of a university-issued credit card, involving unauthorized expenses exceeding $12,000. Among these, TMU cited a $7,000 personal transaction made shortly after he requested a higher credit limit intended for freshman orientation activities.

“Morris was asked to resign after a series of unauthorized, personal expenses,” the university said, denying any retaliatory action related to the sexual assault investigation.

Leadership in Transition During Crisis

As the investigation proceeds, interim university president John Yarbrough will oversee operations at Truett McConnell. His role includes helping guide the institution through a difficult period as investigators work to determine what internal actions were taken — or not taken — in response to early warning signs regarding Reynolds.

The appointment of Richard Hyde, known for his work in external investigations, signals TMU’s intent to conduct a fact-based, independent review. The university has urged all members of the community to contribute fully and honestly.

In its statements, TMU has called for continued prayers for everyone involved and voiced hope for healing and restoration for those affected by the events.