A retired Georgia school administrator had sex with a student and gave alcohol to minors on Halloween, authorities say.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced Thursday that 43-year-old Rachel Louise Terry was arrested on multiple charges.
The investigation into Terry — who has worked for the Murray County School District for more than 20 years — began Nov. 9, when the superintendent contacted the sheriff’s office about drinking with minors. Dalton Daily Citizen.
“I believe there was a complaint from a parent,” Murray County Sheriff Jimmy Davenport told the newspaper.
Terry is charged with one count of statutory rape, two counts of child molestation and 10 counts of furnishing alcohol to minors during a Halloween party, the GBI said. its press release.
As of Sunday afternoon, Terry remained in custody at the county jail, the sheriff’s office confirmed.
Terry has been placed on paid administrative leave by the school system Fox told Chattanooga. A school spokeswoman said the district is “shocked and saddened” by the criminal charges.
“These are very serious allegations,” the spokesman said. “The safety and well-being of our students is always Murray County School District’s top priority.”
Terry earns $110,000 a year and is the director of federal programs, the Dalton Daily Citizen reports.
The sheriff’s office turned the investigation over to the Conasauga County District Attorney’s Office because the sheriff’s office provides security to the school system, Davenport told the newspaper.
After the DA’s office discovered a possible sexual relationship between Terry and the student, on Nov. 23, the office asked the GBI to intervene. The investigation is ongoing.