MACON, Ga. — A Ballard Hudson Middle School teacher was arrested after the Bibb County Sheriff's Office investigated complaints against him.
Charles Jackson is accused of having an improper relationship with a 14-year-old former student. He was arrested Thursday afternoon.
A hearing was held Friday afternoon at the Bibb County law enforcement facility.
Jackson, who was the school's baseball coach and 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year, walked into an empty courtroom in the Bibb County jail to hear his charges.
The hearing started off with Bibb County Magistrate Judge Valencia Jones reading Jackson his rights. She and his lawyer were speaking over Zoom.
After his rights, Judge Jones started to list his charges
"You're charged with one count of aggravated child molestation," said Jones
As the judge continued to read, Jackson could be seen shaking his head.
"The second and the third arrest warrants are for statutory rape," she said.
Jackson's arrest warrants claim that two counts happened at Ballard-Hudson, and the other about two miles away.
"You have absolutely no contact -- none -- be it directly or indirectly, with any and all victims and or their family members," Jones continued.
At one point, Jackson shared his confusion. He said he wasn't prepared to defend himself.
"I guess I am confused because I haven't been here before. I was down there yesterday and I was never read my rights," Jackson said.
Judge Jones said he could address this during a commitment hearing, which he agreed to. In this hearing, investigators will further explain the evidence against him.
Right now, Jackson is being held without bond, and a date for his commitment hearing has not yet been set.
The Bibb County School District sent 13WMAZ a statement Friday afternoon about the allegations against Charles Jackson.
It says in part: "the district is cooperating fully with the Bibb County Sheriff's Office on the investigation. As of December 15th, Mr. Jackson is no longer an employee of Bibb County School District."
The district says they encourage parents to check in with their students and make administrators aware of any concerns regarding their child.
Below is a statement shared with Ballard Hudson Middle School parents Thursday evening:
“The Bibb County School District received a report last evening regarding a Ballard-Hudson Middle School employee who is alleged to have had an inappropriate relationship with a former Ballard-Hudson student. This matter is being investigated by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office (BSO). The District is cooperating with BSO throughout the investigation. The employee is no longer employed with the District as of today. While we are not able to discuss this with you further, we want to reassure you we are taking this matter very seriously. The safety and security of our students and staff is of the utmost importance. As always, school counselors are available on site to provide support to students. Thank you.”