SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::
A teacher with the Griffin-Spalding County School System has been arrested on a variety of sex-related charges.
According to a press release issued by the Griffin Police Department, the GPD, in conjunction with the Griffin-Spalding County School System, received information alleging inappropriate actions by a teacher with students.
Brandy L. Nickels, age 41, of Williamson, has been initially charged with one count each of child molestation, sodomy, enticing a child, statutory rape, sexual assault and sexual battery.
She is currently being held at the Spalding County Jail.
The Griffin-Spalding County school system cooperated fully with the Griffin Police Department investigation, which remains ongoing at this time. According to the lead Investigator, Dexter McCune the investigation is evolving and there is a possibility of future charges and or victims.
The Griffin Police Department request that anyone with information pertaining to this case please call the Criminal Investigation Division at 770.229.6452.
Spalding County School System Executive Director of Communications and Partnerships Department Judy Parker said the initial information was received earlier this week.
“We got information from an adult. I’m not sure how the adult got that information, but an adult gave us some information and we decided to follow up on it immediately,” Parker said.
School officials then initiated an internal investigation.
Nickels, who was a ninth grade teacher at Griffin High School, was placed on administrative leave and not allowed to return to the classroom while the internal investigation was conducted.
A report was subsequently made to the Griffin Police Department.
Parker said a cooperative arrangement between personnel of the school system and the police department was established to expedite the investigation.
Nickels was a ninth grade teacher at Griffin High School.
Parker said the 2016-2017 school term was her first teaching in the school system, but she has prior classroom experience in other Georgia school systems.
The GRIP has confirmed the alleged victim in this case is a student.
“This is a sad event for our school district and the students and families involved. Our highest priority is the safety and welfare of our students. We are thankful that information was given to us that allowed a swift resolution to a bad situation,” said GSCSS Superintendent Jim Smith. “In truth, it takes a person who notices something that doesn’t seem right to bring that information and suspicion to someone who can act on it. We have to be a community that doesn’t turn a blind eye to situations that appear suspicious. That’s how we protect our children. Also, I want to thank the City of Griffin Police Department and Chief Mike Yates for their complete cooperation in the investigation.”
