HALL COUNTY, Ga. — A football coach and teacher at a private Christian school in Hall County is in custody and accused of filming underneath students’ clothes.
The sheriff’s office says Joel Ernest Lulinski, 52, used his cell phone to record the students, all of whom are girls under 16.
At the time of the alleged crimes, Lulinski was a physical education teacher and football coach at Lanier Christian Academy in Flowery Branch.
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Lulinski faces 27 counts of use or installation of a device to film underneath or through an individual’s clothing under certain circumstances.
Earlier this month, a victim reported her suspicions to school officials.
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Officials and the sheriff’s office say they immediately began investigating and determined Lulinski took “inappropriate and surreptitious photos or videos” during school activities.
He was arrested on Thursday after being questioned by investigators.
He is currently being held in the Hall County Jail on a $175,500.
Lanier Christian Academy shared a statement with Channel 2 Action News that read:
On Thursday afternoon, April 2, Lanier Christian Academy (LCA) received a report alleging inappropriate conduct by an employee. LCA reported the information to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office within three hours of receiving it, in full compliance with Georgia law.
Joel Lulinski was employed as a teacher and coach with the school since 2019 and underwent background screening prior to hiring and at regular intervals during employment. The investigation resulted in his arrest by investigators from the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.
LCA officials said, “While this news is devastating for the victims and heartbreaking for our school community, we are grateful this was reported. As a school family, we are shocked and grieved by these events.”
Officials added, “We realize there will be questions and concerns, and we want to address them promptly and with care.” Counseling services will be available for students and families. LCA is cooperating fully with the investigation and is working with law enforcement and legal counsel to review student safety protocols.
A spokesperson said, “At times like this, we are grateful that our hope remains in Christ, and that His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9), sustaining (Isaiah 43:1-3), and steadfast (Romans 5:1-5).”
The school said questions involving the criminal investigation and charges will be handled by investigators with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.
— Lanier Christian Academy
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