Head Coach at Georgia High School Arrested for Sexual Assault

Callaway High School as well as the Troup County Sheriff's Office are investigating reports that the head swim coach, Shea Spencer, sexually assaulted a teenage student athlete.

According to reports, the investigation began after contact form the Division of Family and Children Services. No other details have been released as of right now. Spencer has been arrested and has been booked in the Troup County Jail.

As a Georgia Sex Crimes Lawyer, I will outline the law behind sexual assault in Georgia in today's post.

Sexual Assault in Georgia

Sexual assault is a criminal offense that is typically improperly used by the media and other news outlets. The term is used when most of the time the offense that is being referred to is sexual battery in Georgia.

According to O.C.G.A. §16-5-5, sexual assault can only occur in Georgia when a person who has supervisory or disciplinary authority over another individual engages in sexual contact with them.

Examples of relationships where an individual has authority over another individuals include:

• Teacher, principal, assistant principal, or other school administrators
• Probation officer, or other employees that have authority over parolees or probationers
• Employee or agent of a law enforcement agency with a person detained or in custody
• Employee or agent of a hospital who has sexual contact with a patient while being treated
• Employee or agent of a correctional or juvenile justice facility, or disability facility; or
• Psychotherapists with their patients.

Sexual assault is considered a felony offense. On top of Georgia Felony Punishments, there will also be Georgia Sexual Offender Punishments if convicted of sexual assault.

The consequences will include a prison term between one and twenty years, a fine up to $100,000, or both. There are enhanced penalties when they other party involved is less than 16 years of age. The prison term increases to at least twenty-five years but no more than fifty.

Practice Note

Georgia Sex Crimes Laws are complicated and can be overwhelming when attempted to dissect without professional legal help. If you or a loved one has been accused of committing a sexual offense, contact our offices today. A Georgia Sex Crimes Attorney can walk you through all of your options step by step and help you now.