Bail denied for Douglas County teacher accused of sexual assault: report

According to a media report, a judge told a former Lithia Springs High School teacher accused of sexual assault that he posed a “danger to society.”

May 30, 2024, 1:37 p.m. EDT | Updated May 30, 2024, 1:40 p.m. EDT

LITHIA SPRINGS, GA — A former Lithia Springs High School teacher and coach accused of sexually assaulting a student was denied bail Thursday, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that 47-year-old Kerry Hood is accused of sexually abusing the student on school grounds and in other states.

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Douglas County School officials confirmed to Patch that Hood no longer works for the school system.

Early Thursday afternoon, Douglas County Jail records showed a warrant for Hood’s arrest on suspicion of sexual abuse of a person in supervisory or disciplinary authority.

During his bail hearing, a judge said Hood was a “danger to society,” Fox 5 Atlanta reported. The alleged sexual assault began on Nov. 23, 2023, and ended sometime this week, the station reported.

Hood’s attorney argued that Hood had no prior crimes; nevertheless, Hood’s bail was denied, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

RELATED: Sheriff: Former Douglas County teacher charged with sexual assault of student

Authorities began investigating Hood on Monday after the victim told them she was sexually abused while attending school in Lithia Springs, where Hood was not only a teacher but also a track and field coach.

School officials said the allegations violated the school system’s professional standards and were not representative of its expectations.

“The Douglas County School System is deeply troubled by recent allegations of sexual misconduct by a former employee of the Douglas County School System. During this time, our sincere condolences go out to the victim and her family,” the school administration said in a statement.

“The defendant is not an employee of our school system. The former coach was arrested and is facing charges by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation and will continue to cooperate with authorities and provide any assistance necessary to facilitate the investigation.”

Hood turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday, the sheriff’s office said.