News Summary

Kerry Hood, a former teacher and track coach, has pleaded guilty to multiple sexual assault charges involving a student. The incidents occurred during school hours and continued for months, leading to his sentencing of 25 years. The school district expressed deep concern over the allegations and reassured their commitment to student safety. An ongoing investigation may reveal further victims.

Big News in Lithia Springs: Former Coach Admits to Serious Charges

In a shocking turn of events here in Lithia Springs, Kerry Hood, a former teacher and track and field coach at Lithia Springs High School, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges of sexual assault involving a student. This plea came about on a Tuesday, more than a year after Hood voluntarily turned himself in to authorities on May 29, 2024. This all began when the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into disturbing allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

The Details Unfold

The timeline of these incidents is unsettling. Court records reveal that the abuse occurred on school grounds during class hours and at various other locations, with reported incidents spanning from December 2023 to May 2024. During this period, Hood was not just a coach but actively engaged with the victim, who was also one of his athletes on the track and field team.

When Hood first appeared in court, the judge made it crystal clear that releasing him was not an option. The judge labeled him a significant danger to the public, highlighting concerns that he could potentially come into contact with other minors if set free.

A Trust Betrayed

Prosecutors painted a picture of a grave betrayal of trust as they detailed how Hood engaged in sexual acts with the very student he was supposed to mentor and guide. It’s hard to fathom how someone with nearly two decades of experience in education—spending a significant part of his career as a special education teacher in the DeKalb County School System—could turn to such actions.

Reactions have been mixed. Some fellow coaches and friends were left in utter disbelief at the accusations against Hood, while others pointed out that he often developed close relationships with his athletes, raising red flags that perhaps some had ignored.

A former student of Hood suspects that he may not be the only victim, hinting that this behavior could have been happening for a longer stretch than previously thought. The investigation didn’t just stop after a single complaint; it expanded as the sheriff’s office uncovered multiple accounts of abuse after this initial report was made.

Consequences for Hood

After the legal repercussions began to unfold, Hood faced some serious consequences. He has been sentenced to 25 years in prison with the first 12 years to be served behind bars. His admission of guilt includes three counts of improper sexual contact by an employee of an educational institution. The whole of this misconduct lasted at least six months, starting from November 23 and continuing right up until his arrest.

In light of these shocking revelations, Hood was terminated from his position within the Douglas County School System. The school district expressed their deep disturbance over the allegations, emphasizing that the safety of students is their utmost priority.

Looking Forward

Interestingly, Hood had been considered for a position as a football coach in the DeKalb County School District, but those plans were nipped in the bud once the allegations surfaced. This circumstance serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding students—something the Douglas County School System seems adamant to uphold.

On August 14, a grand jury indicted Hood on three counts of sexual contact by employee or agent in the first degree. His defense attorney contended that only the charges presently on the table should be taken into account, steering clear of any unverified claims regarding possible additional victims.

The case doesn’t end here; an ongoing investigation aims to uncover whether there are more victims still waiting to tell their stories. For now, authorities are reaching out to anyone who might have information related to this case, urging them to come forward.

As Lithia Springs continues to grapple with these shocking events, one can only hope for healing and safety for all involved.

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