Former substitute teacher accused of having sex with students

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department arrested a former substitute teacher accused of having sex with two students.

Laura Rich, 38, of Woodstock was arrested Friday and charged with sexual assault by a teacher, although both victims were of the age of consent in Georgia.

"It's the relationship she had as teacher-student that made it a crime," said Cherokee County sheriff's Lt. Jay Baker.

Rich is a former substitute teacher at Ace Academy in Canton, the alternative school for the Cherokee County School District.

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The students, 16 and 18 years old, reported having multiple sexual encounters with the teacher at her home in Acworth in 2015. %

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"Both of them, we believe, there was more than one occurrence. My understanding (is the relationship with) the 16-year-old lasted a little longer, a couple months. Then (the one with) the 18-year-old happened later in the year (which) was not as long of a relationship,” Baker said.

The school district released the following statement:

"Ms. Rich formerly worked for CCSD as a substitute teacher.

The School District is fully cooperating with the Cherokee Sheriff's Office's investigation.  Please contact the Sheriff's Office for information about its investigation.

Ms. Rich began substitute teaching in January 2015; her last day as a substitute teacher was August 19.  She no longer is permitted to work as a substitute teacher in CCSD.

Our School District has zero tolerance for inappropriate relationships between students and any adults serving in any capacity in our schools."

Cox Media Group