A Stephens County High School teacher has been arrested and charged for an alleged sexual offense involving a student.
Stephens County Sheriff’s investigators arrested Brian Thomason at his home following an extensive investigation, the sheriff’s office said in a news release. They charged the 50-year-old Toccoa man with sexual assault by persons with supervisory or disciplinary authority.
Sheriff Randy Shirley says the investigation began after school superintendent Dr. Connie Franklin contacted his office on May 6 to report an allegation heard by a school official of a “non-violent, consensual sexual offense” that occurred on school property between a teacher and student in 2021, the release states.
“Dr. Franklin informed investigators the teacher had already been placed on administrative leave pending the legal investigation,” says Shirley.
Thomason was arrested during a search of his home and jailed.
“At this time, there is reason to believe that this was an isolated incident,” the sheriff’s office says.
Superintendent’s response
Following news of Thomason’s arrest, Dr. Franklin released this statement:
“While we cannot publicly comment on personnel matters or comment on any active investigations by law enforcement, we can verify that the employee was placed on administrative leave from the Stephens County School System effective May 6, 2024, pending an investigation, and we are cooperating with local law enforcement.
The safety and security of our students is our top priority, and we take this matter very seriously. All SCSS employees are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards, and we are deeply disappointed by this investigation.”
According to the school directory and his LinkedIn bio, Thomason has worked at Stephens County High School as an automotive instructor and Skills USA Advisor for nearly 21 years. During that time, he has also worked as an athletic trainer at the school for almost 14 years.
Thomason posted a $25,000 bond and was released from jail on Friday, May 31.
The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with information about this case to contact investigators at 706-886-7048.
