GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. -- A band director at South Gwinnett High is accused of raping a student multiple times and police believe there could be more victims.
According to a Gwinnett County Schools Police report, an 18-year-old female student told Snellville police on May 2 that she had been sexually assaulted by a teacher at South Gwinnett High on multiple occasions.
She said the last incident had occurred in March. She also provided names of other students who she said were in a relationship with the teacher. Snellville police contacted Gwinnett County Schools Police.
On Wednesday, authorities arrested 42-year-old Villie Jones Sr. on four charges of sexual assault.
According to South Gwinnett High School's website, Jones was the school's band director. The school's principal, Monique Lee, sent a letter to parents on Friday saying:
Dear Parents/Guardians of South Gwinnett High School Students,
I wanted to communicate with you about a police investigation regarding allegations that a teacher at our school has had an inappropriate relationship with several students. As this has been and continues to be an active police investigation there are not many details we can share.
However, I did want to share with you that this individual has not been at our school since the beginning of the investigation on Wednesday. It is my understanding that the teacher has been taken into custody by police. Prior to his arrest, he submitted resignation to Gwinnett County Public Schools. We will move quickly to find a replacement for his position so that our students can finish the year and be prepared for the many end-of-year events that are planned.
Thank you for your continued support of our students, teachers, and school. I share with you that as an educator and a South Gwinnett parent myself these allegations are very disturbing. This type of behavior between a teacher and students is not acceptable. Our students, our community, and the teaching profession deserve better.
Officials said that Jones had been with the school since July 29, 2014. Gwinnett County School Police are continuing to investigate.
