GRIFFIN — A former Griffin-Spalding County School System teacher arrested Dec. 15 on aggravated child molestation and other felony charges continues to be held without bond in the Spalding County Jail, Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix said in an update on the case given Monday.
Tierra Michelle Harris, 29, of Riverdale, is also charged sexual exploitation of a child and theft by receiving stolen property.
Dix said the mother of a juvenile contacted deputies after she found text messages of a reported sexually explicit nature between the juvenile and Harris.
When questioned, the juvenile identified the employee as Harris. According to the juvenile, Dix said the two met while Harris was working as a teacher at Rehoboth Road Middle School.
Adam Pugh, GSCS executive director of communications and partnerships, confirmed Friday Harris taught eighth grade math at Rehoboth.
Dix said once GSCS was made aware of the allegations, the system immediately joined in the investigation.
“She began her employment in July of this year as a contracted worker through a teacher staffing service,” Pugh said. “Once GSCS was made aware of a criminal investigation by deputies, Human Resources determined there was merit to contact the employment agency and terminate the arrangement for that teacher’s contract.”
Multiple search warrants were executed in connection with the investigation, including a search of Harris’s vehicle that reportedly revealed marijuana along with a stolen handgun.
“There has been no indication that the pistol or marijuana was ever inside the school building, and there has been no indication of any threat toward the school, children or staff,” Dix said.
After consulting with the Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, Dix said investigators obtained arrest warrants for Harris and she was taken into custody…
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