A former teacher at Kell High School in Cobb County pleaded guilty last week to five counts of sexual assault against a student.

Spencer Herron, 49, was sentenced to five years in prison and 15 years probation.  All of the counts involved the same victim.

He still faces charges stemming from the same case in Cherokee County.

Herron previously taught video at Kell and was named a ‘teacher of the year’ for the 2016-2017 school year.

According to court papers, the assaults began over the summer break in 2016, when Herron met with a female student several times "under the pretense of meeting for a non-existent school club."

The abuse continued to 2017. Herron was arrested in June.

The Cobb County School District did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The district has come under fire from concerned parents over its refusal to address allegations of sex abuse.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Gov. Brian Kemp delivers the state of the state address in the House of Representatives at the Georgia Capitol, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

Featured

A rendering shows the proposed skybridge included in state plans to give Capitol Hill a $400 million makeover. (Courtesy of Georgia Building Authority)

Credit: Courtesy of Georgia Building Authority