BREMEN, Ga. — A former teacher and coach has been sentenced following a lengthy criminal jury trial involving allegations of child abuse.
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A judge sentenced Geoffrey Brad Matthews to 50 years, with the first 49 years to be served in prison.
During sentencing, Roper emphasized that children have an absolute right to an education and an absolute right to be safe while receiving that education.
The sentencing comes after Matthews was found guilty on all 13 counts of child molestation and grooming-related offenses, plus other charges. The state called 33 witnesses, including seven victims from Bremen High School.
Matthews was a girls softball coach. His victims were all males.
The court found that Matthews violated the trust placed in him by children, their parents and the community.
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Assistant District Attorney Jason Jones prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Georgia in what the Tallapoosa Circuit District Attorney’s Office described as one of the longest criminal jury trials of record in Haralson County.
District Attorney Jaeson Smith praised the victims who came forward and credited their courage with helping bring the case to justice.
“We owe these brave children our deepest gratitude for coming forward and having the courage to expose this predator,” Smith said. “Because of them, he will spend practically the rest of his natural life behind bars, where he belongs.”
Smith said children have an absolute right to be safe at school and vowed that his office will continue pursuing cases involving people who violate that trust.
“Anyone who violates that right, preys upon a child, and betrays the trust of their parents has forfeited any place in our society,” Smith said. “We will continue to stand with victims and hold those who prey on children fully accountable.”
Smith also recognized Jones and the prosecution team for their work throughout the lengthy trial and sentencing process.
The Tallapoosa Circuit District Attorney’s Office said it remains committed to protecting children, supporting victims and their families, and pursuing justice against those who abuse the trust placed in them.
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