A Spalding County teacher turned himself in to authorities to face simple battery charges after he allegedly hit a female student on the buttocks with a bottle.
According to Sheriff Wendell Beam, the 15-year-old student complained to the principal at Spalding High School about teacher Joshua Akins’ alleged actions and an investigation was launched.
Beam said the incident occurred during regular school hours on Dec. 1. He said the student described the incident as a “slap” on the buttocks with a bottle.
A warrant was issued for the 36-year-old teacher’s arrest. Akins’ case has been bound over to State Court for trial. The teacher was released on bond.
Akins is listed as a special education teacher in Spalding High’s 2010-2011 student handbook.
Griffin-Spalding County school district spokeswoman Anna Burns said Friday the teacher returned to the classroom this week pending the outcome of the trial. Burns said the teacher will not have any contact with the student.
Burns said Akins has been with the district since 2004.
The AJC's efforts to reach Akins were unsuccessful.
If convicted on the misdemeanor charge, Akins could face up to 12 months in jail, a $1,000 fine or both.
Check back for details.
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