Teacher accused of sexually assaulting student

By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A 33-year-old physical science teacher was arrested Wednesday afternoon for having sexual contact with a student.

Pickens County Sheriff's Office

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Laura Deane Lyles, of Jasper, faces two counts of sex assault, two counts of sodomy and four counts of furnishing alcohol to a minor, according to Capt. Frank Reynolds with the Pickens County Sheriff's Office.

Lyles had been employed at Pickens County High School, about 40 miles north of Atlanta, where the boy is a student. She posted $27,700 bond and was released from jail Wednesday evening, Reynold said.

One of the encounters allegedly took place on campus, Reynolds said. The alcohol incidents took place off campus, he said.

The boy's name and age are not being released.

The sheriff's office began an investigation a few days ago after it was contacted by the school superintendent. It is possible that there are other victims, Reynolds said.

“There may be further charges as the investigation continues because there may be more students that come forward," Reynolds said.

Anyone with additional information on the case is asked to call the sheriff's office at 706-253-8935.