The GBI is investigating allegations of misconduct against a former Habersham County School Resource Officer after an internal investigation revealed he was messaging a student. The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office fired David Jackels from his job as an SRO at Wilbanks Middle School on March 1, the day after the allegations surfaced.
County officials had remained tight-lipped about the situation but confirmed Jackels’ firing to Now Habersham on March 13 after repeated requests for information.
In an email, Habersham County Sheriff’s Major Les Hendrix said, “David Jackels was fired for conduct unbecoming and there is currently an investigation with the GBI.” He added, “nothing will be released until the conclusion of said investigation.”
‘Inappropriate communication’
Documents obtained by Now Habersham from the county attorney in response to an open records request outline details about what led to Jackels’ termination. A Disciplinary Action Report filed by the sheriff’s office says: “At a student event Thursday evening [Feb. 29] it was stated that Jackels had inappropriate communication with a student at the high school. An investigation was conducted and it was found that Jackels has in fact been messaging a student.”
The sheriff’s office also accused Jackels of violating his oath of office in relation to his alleged misconduct.
Habersham County School Superintendent Matthew Cooper refused to comment on the matter. He deferred all questions to the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, which oversees the SRO program.
Jackels is a 25-year law enforcement veteran. He joined the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office in 2018.
Jackels responds
Now Habersham contacted Jackels to give him an opportunity to respond to the allegations. When asked about the pending GBI investigation, he said, “I don’t know anything about that.” Regarding his termination from the sheriff’s office, Jackels responded, “I don’t have anything to say.”
Now Habersham obtained a copy of Jackels’ officer profile from the Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (POST). The record still shows him as actively employed by the sheriff’s office. It does not reflect any recent disciplinary actions against him. However, POST Records Custodian Jill Perry says a change in status form has been submitted. Once it is approved, POST will update Jackels’ profile, she says.
According to POST records, the Georgia Tech Police Department terminated Jackels in 2001 after six months on the job. He went on to serve with the Agness Scott College Department of Public Safety and police departments in Flowery Branch, Commerce, and Clayton before joining the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office.
