Carroll County middle school teacher arrested, accused of sexually abusing student on campus

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A teacher at a Carroll County middle school has been arrested after he allegedly abused a student, the local sheriff’s office said.

Villa Rica Middle School teacher Rico Thompson, 54, now faces multiple charges after the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office says a student reported an “inappropriate act.”

According to investigators, the alleged incident occurred on the Villa Rica Middle School campus on Dec. 4. Deputies say they were notified that day after a student reported the incident, triggering an immediate response. Officials say the school resource officer contacted the sheriff’s office, which quickly began the process of securing an arrest warrant. Thompson was later taken into custody.

Thompson is now charged with child molestation, enticing a child for indecent purposes, grooming of a minor, sexual exploitation of children, and sexual assault by persons with supervisory or disciplinary authority.

“We appreciate the quick response and ongoing coordination with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office,” Carroll County Schools Superintendent Scott Cowart wrote in a statement. “We have a wonderful relationship and open communication with local law enforcement agencies to ensure that our schools are a safe place for students and employees. In this case, we thank them again for their prompt action.”

Thompson made his first court appearance on Wednesday, where he was denied bond.

A parent whose daughter was in Thompson’s class said her child saw signs of what she believed to be grooming.

“She said she was hugging him and that he was calling her pet names, like ‘mama’ and ‘babes,’ and she felt uncomfortable. So last week when she heard that he got arrested, it didn’t surprise her,” the parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said.

The district said Thompson is no longer employed by Carroll County Schools.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who may be a victim or has information about Thompson is urged to contact Investigator Michael Rae by calling 770-830-5916

If you or someone you know is a victim, you can also contact the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office at 770-830-5916.g

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