Stephens County teacher arrested for sexual assault

PRESS RELEASE – According to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, a Stephens County High School teacher has been arrested following a lengthy investigation.

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley reports that Dr. Connie Franklin, Superintendent of Stephens County Schools, contacted his office on May 6, 2024, to report an allegation heard by a school official of a non-violent, consensual sexual offense that occurred on school property between a teacher and a student in 2021.

Dr. Franklin informed investigators the teacher had already been placed on administrative leave pending the legal investigation.

In the wake of the extensive investigation and an executed search warrant of his home, investigators procured a warrant for the arrest of Brian Thomason, age 50, of Toccoa.

Thomason was transported to the Stephens County Jail and charged with sexual assault by persons with supervisory or disciplinary authority. Thomason was released after posting a $25,000 bond on Friday, May 31.

At this time, there is reason to believe that this was an isolated incident. The Criminal Investigations Division asks that if anyone has any further information, please contact the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Department of Investigations at 706-886-7048.