Gwinnett County Public Schools confirmed Friday that one of its teachers is the man accused of drunkenly biting a 14-year-old girl's buttocks at Lake Lanier Islands on July 4.

Jonathan William Herbert, 30, has been a teacher at Snellville Middle since Aug. 1, 2016, said school system spokesman Bernard Watson.

Watson said the district opened a internal investigation following Herbert’s arrest.

READGwinnett cops: Man threw rock through restaurant glass door to rob it

The Braselton girl was swimming at the Buford beach when Herbert allegedly swam under the water and bit her in front of multiple beachgoers, according to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators said they don’t think he has any connection to the girl or her family.

Herbert faces charges of sexual battery against a child under 16, second-degree cruelty to a child, battery and public drunkenness.

He was booked into jail on Thursday and bonded out later that day, according to the Hall County jail.

Like Gwinnett County News on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter

Stay up to the minute with breaking news on Channel 2 Action News This Morning

About the Author

Keep Reading

Carden Wyckoff speaks to media members during a press conference outside Five Points station on Thursday, June 25, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com