While the mater is under investigation, the student is not a victim.

The girl could be lying. It`s not uncommon for students to get mad at a teacher and accuse them of wrongdoing. I don`t think any information should be released until the full investigation is completed including a background check is made on the student.

When i was in high school in the early 80's i saw a lot of teacher student flirting and im sure it went further after school hours. Some of the teenage girls are in heat.

Kids lie. Especially teenagers. Especially teenage girls. I've seen girls accuse rape because they wanted an excuse for cheating on boyfriends and because they regreted their own actions as well as misconduct by teachers and it be completely untrue. This may or may not be the case but until the teacher is proven guilty he should not be seen as a sexual preditor. You just can't demonize someone until all the facts are in and the absolute truth has come to the light.

"The principle launched an investigation into this matter immediately upon being notified by the victim," Chief Tommy Culpepper said in a statement. "We are cooperating with the school system in the investigation.

"Due to the age of the victim and the fact that at this time the teacher is only considered to be a suspect, no further information is being released."

Unfortunately, principals are not supposed to launch investigations the Police and/or DFACS are supposed to handle that. Principals are mandated and are required by law to report (within 24hrs) NOT TO INVESTIGATE. Police should be running the investigation not the school system that is how it is handled in every municipality and county in the state and country. Why is Cartersville different? Could it be that Harry White, the School system's attorney, is also the city judge? The police have to go in front of the city judge on a daily basis, talk about a TOTAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST that can't even pass the smell test much less the appearance of impartiality. Why wait nearly the nearly 24 hrs to report the suspicion to authorities, which could put kids in further risk. Principals aren't investigators and to suggest that they are in charge of police and criminal matters is quite simply ludicrous.

The "city judge" (municipal court) will not be presiding in this case because it's not within the jurisdiction of that court.

Whatever the verbiage, I appreciate the fact that school personnel and law enforcement are working cooperatively to determine the facts and carry through with appropriate action.

There is a difference between "cooperation" and collaboration. I have heard of cases where Cartersville School Administrators DID NOT REPORT suspected Child abuse or not in a 24 hr period as required by law and the Cartersville police IGNORED these illegal "lapses" in what the law requires as did the school board. Sorry, I have difficulty appreciating illegal behavior be it by the police, School administrators, School Boards, or individuals.

honestly speaking......something doesn't go on for weeks.......before it becomes inappropriate touching. IF she didn't report it the very first time, it makes me very suspicious of her motives. I was once a 14/15/16 year old girl, and believe ME if she was flirting with him, or in any way leading him on, then she should be ashamed of herself. And if she didn't, then she should have reported him right away. You say the alleged abuse was between Oct 15 to Nov 8......that is three weeks, it took her three weeks to decide she was touched inappropriately, pallllllllease.....give me a break. Once a teacher has been accused you can't take it back, I sure hope they look at this thing from all angles.......