In a troubling turn of events, two former educators from Nathanael Greene Academy, a private Christian school located in Siloam, Georgia, have been arrested and charged with serious felonies related to inappropriate sexual contact with a male student. The accused are Sherri Delle Mauldin, 60, and Bonnie Elizabeth Brown, 25, both of whom have raised significant concerns in their communities and beyond.
According to a recent press release from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the investigation began on June 14, 2024, after the Greene County Sheriff’s Office received allegations of misconduct. Mauldin has been charged with aggravated child molestation, statutory rape, and improper sexual contact as an employee, while Brown faces charges of improper sexual contact by an employee. Both women have been removed from their teaching positions, with Brown previously working at Washington-Wilkes Primary School.
The Wilkes County School District confirmed that Brown’s employment was terminated following her arrest. They expressed their commitment to cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. In a statement, they clarified that school officials were not informed of the arrest until after Brown was taken into custody and only learned of the charges when they were made public by the GBI.
In light of these serious allegations, the Board of Trustees at Nathanael Greene Academy has also announced that they are conducting an internal investigation while cooperating with law enforcement. They emphasized their commitment to ensuring a safe educational environment for all students. The Board stated, "While being careful not to interfere with law enforcement’s investigation, we are conducting our own inquiry to determine any necessary actions."
The situation has raised alarm bells within the community, particularly regarding the safety and well-being of students. Attorney Ashley Mitchell, representing the victim, stated that the young boy had been subjected to "ungodly abuse" and indicated that there may be additional victims involved. She noted the difficulty students face when disclosing such experiences, highlighting that many victims feel trapped in their situations and may not come forward until they have the opportunity to process their experiences.
Mitchell revealed that the allegations first came to light through other students who reported the inappropriate conduct. "There were students who had knowledge," she explained. "They reported it to their families, which eventually led to the involvement of law enforcement."
The victim, who is under the age of 16, expressed relief following the arrests. In a statement released through his attorney, he said, "I am relieved that these two women have been arrested and that the crimes are being fully investigated. These women took advantage of their positions as my teachers. My school did not protect me as a child. I see that now, and I hope that these arrests will protect our community and the children in it."
In a letter to parents, the Board of Trustees stated that they were unaware of any allegations until they received a threat of civil litigation in February. They clarified that prior to this, neither the student nor his parents had raised any complaints regarding the former employees.
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities of educational institutions in safeguarding their students. It highlights the importance of transparency and accountability within schools, especially those that uphold Christian values. As the investigation unfolds, many in the community are left questioning how such breaches of trust could occur in an environment that is meant to foster safety and moral development.
For more information on this developing story, you can visit the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and stay updated on the latest news regarding child safety and educational integrity.