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Former Christian School Teacher Charged With Child Molestation

Wednesday, August 20, 2008 – updated: 6:23 pm EDT August 20, 2008

A former Christian school teacher has been charged with child molestation after officials said she had "inappropriate sexual encounters" with a 14-year-old boy.

Paulding County officials arrested Holly Michelle Barnes Tuesday. She has been charged with two counts of statutory rape and two counts of child molestation.

VIDEO: Former Cobb Christian Teacher Charged With Child Molestation

Officials said Barnes was a teacher at the Grace Baptist Church and Christian School in Powder Springs.

"The victim was affiliated with Grace Baptist Church and Christian School," said Cpl. Brandon Gorley with the Paulding County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities said they did not know if the teenager was a student or if he was a church member. Police said they do not believe the alleged rape and molestation took place on church or school grounds.

"We ask for any parents or children with information about this case to contact the Paulding County Sheriff's Office Crimes Against Children unit," said Sgt. Brent Miller with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office. "We are specifically reaching out to other children that may have been involved in inappropriate sexual encounters with Holly Barnes. We will handle each allegation in a thorough manner to ensure that the appropriate action is taken."

Authorities said they continue to investigate.

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