Ex-Douglas Co. Teacher Charged With Sexual Assault Of Student: Sheriff

Updated 4:39 p.m.

LITHIA SPRINGS, GA — A former Lithia Springs High School teacher has been arrested in connection with the suspected sexual assault of a student, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.

Authorities first began investigating Kerry Hood, 47, 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.

The alleged assaults occurred on school grounds and in other states, authorities said.

"This is an incident where a person in a supervisory capacity has taken advantage of a student under their charge," authorities said in a news release.

Douglas County school officials told Patch in a statement that Hood is no longer an employee of the county school system. Officials did not identify Hood by name.

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 the 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. As of mid-Wednesday afternoon, Douglas County Jail records showed a pending warrant to charge Hood on suspicion of sexual assault-persons with supervisory or disciplinary authority.

"Sheriff Tim Pounds would like to recognize the work of his quickly responding investigators who have worked on the case since the original incident report. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office stands with those who have been victims of sexual misconduct and seek justice on their behalf," authorities said in the release.

School officials said strict policies and procedures will continue to be enforced to prevent and address forms of misconduct or abuse.

"Safety is at the forefront of our priorities in the Douglas County School System. We remain fully committed to ensuring the well-being of all our students. As this investigation progresses, we will continue to respect the privacy of those involved. Thank you for your support and cooperation as we work together to ensure a safe and nurturing learning environment for all our students," school officials said in the statement.