Crime & Safety
Bond Denied For Douglas Co. Teacher Accused Of Sexual Assault: Report
Per a media report, a judge told a former Lithia Springs High teacher accused of sexual assault that he was a "risk to society."
LITHIA SPRINGS, GA — Bond was denied Thursday for a former Lithia Springs High School teacher and coach accused of sexually assaulting a student, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday that Kerry Hood, 47, was accused of sexually assaulting the student on school grounds and in other states.
Douglas County School officials confirmed to Patch that Hood no longer works for the school system.
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As of early Thursday afternoon, Douglas County Jail records showed a pending warrant to charge Hood on suspicion of sexual assault-persons with supervisory or disciplinary authority.
During his bond hearing, a judge said Hood was a "risk to society," Fox 5 Atlanta reported. The alleged sexual assault started on Nov. 23, 2023, before ending sometime this week, the outlet reported.
Find out what's happening in Douglasvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Hood's attorney argued Hood has no prior felonies; however, Hood's bond was denied, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
RELATED: Ex-Douglas Co. Teacher Charged With Sexual Assault Of Student: Sheriff
Authorities first began investigating Hood on Monday after the victim told them they were sexually assaulted while a student at Lithia Springs. Aside from being a teacher, Hood was also the school's track and field coach.
School officials said the allegations violate the school system's professional standards and is not indicative of its expectations.
"The Douglas County School System is deeply disturbed by recent allegations of sexual misconduct involving a former Douglas County School System employee. Our hearts go out to the victim and their family during this time," school officials said in a statement.
"The accused individual is not an employee of our school system. The former coach has been arrested and is facing charges filed by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation and will continue to cooperate with authorities and provide any assistance necessary to facilitate the investigation."
Hood surrendered Wednesday to authorities, the sheriff's office said.
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