Stephens County teacher arrested for alleged sex offense against student

A Stephens County High School teacher was arrested and charged with an alleged sexual assault against a student.

Stephens County Sheriff’s investigators arrested Brian Thomason at his home after an extensive investigation, the sheriff’s office said in a news release. They charged the 50-year-old Toccoa man with sexual battery by persons in supervisory or disciplinary authority.

Sheriff Randy Shirley says the investigation began after school superintendent Dr. Connie Franklin contacted his office on May 6 to report an allegation heard from a school official that a “non-violent, consensual sexual offense” occurred on school property between a teacher and a student in 2021, the press release said.

“Dr. Franklin informed investigators that the teacher had already been placed on leave pending the completion of the legal investigation,” Shirley says.

Thomason was arrested and detained during a search of his home.

“At this time, there is reason to believe that this was an isolated incident,” the sheriff’s office said.

Superintendent’s response

Upon news of Thomason’s arrest, Dr. Franklin made the following statement:

“While we cannot publicly comment on personnel matters or on ongoing law enforcement investigations, we can confirm that the employee has been placed on leave from the Stephens County School System effective May 6, 2024, pending the outcome of the investigation, and we are cooperating with local law enforcement.

The safety of our students is our top priority and we take this matter very seriously. All SCSS employees are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards and we are deeply disappointed by this investigation.”

According to the school directory and his LinkedIn bio, Thomason worked at Stephens County High School for nearly 21 years as a driver’s education instructor and Skills USA consultant. During that time, he also served as an athletic trainer at the school for nearly 14 years.

Thomason posted $25,000 bail and was released from jail on Friday, May 31.

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about this case to contact investigators at 706-886-7048.