A Griffin High School teacher was arrested Thursday after an investigation revealed she sexually assaulted a student, officials said.
Brandy Nickels, 41, resigned from the Griffin-Spalding School System during the investigation, Griffin police said. The school district had placed her on administrative leave and did not allow her in the classroom.
District officials and police received tips “regarding inappropriate actions by a teacher with students” on May 16, district spokeswoman Judy Parker said. The investigation led police to file six charges against Nickels, including child molestation, sodomy and statutory rape.
She was taken to the Spalding County jail.
Superintendent Jim Smith called the case a “sad event” for the school district and the students and families involved.
“Our highest priority is the safety and welfare of our students,” he said in a statement. “We are thankful that information was given to us that allowed a swift resolution to a bad situation. 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.”
The Griffin Police Department said they are investigating if Nickels sexually abused other students.
Nickels was a first-year ninth-grade teacher. She had taught in other school systems in Georgia, officials said.
“We have to be a community that doesn’t turn a blind eye to situations that appear suspicious,” Smith said. “That’s how we protect our children.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Griffin police at 770-229-6452.
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