An ROTC instructor at Rockdale County High School used local motels to maintain a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student, a Conyers police incident report alleges.
Michael Henry Carlisle — referred to as “Sgt. Gunner” in the incident report — was arrested Wednesday and charged with sexual assault by a person with supervisory or disciplinary authority. Conyers police Officer Kim Lucas said Carlisle, 54, was released on bond the same day.
The allegations surfaced more than a week earlier, when a schoolmate of the alleged victim told a social worker about the affair. That social worker went to authorities.
According to police, the alleged victim was interviewed at school and “adamantly denied any sexual relationship” with Carlisle. After being taken to the police department to speak with detectives, however, she admitted to “going to Motel 6 on Dogwood Drive.”
No information about the length of the alleged relationship was provided.
Under Georgia law, people in positions of authority — such as law enforcement officers, health care professionals and teachers — can be charged with sexual assault even if sexual encounters with a person under that authority are consensual.
Rockdale County Public Schools spokeswoman Cindy Ball did not mention Carlisle by name, but confirmed Monday that “an RCPS employee has been charged by law enforcement with sexual assault by persons with supervising or disciplinary authority.” That person was placed on administrative leave and banned from returning to campus, she said.
Ball also released a statement attributed to RCPS superintendent Richard Autry.
“The safety and welfare of our students and young people throughout this community is our highest priority,” the statement said. “… Anyone who compromises these standards, particularly those who endanger our children, will not remain employed by RCPS and will be recommended to the licensure board for certificate revocation.”
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