Spalding High teacher, student arrested on separate drug, weapon charges

STAFF REPORT :::

A Spalding High School teacher, Jordan Hale, and an unidentified student were on Friday arrested following an operation of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix, a request to deploy K9s in the school parking lot was made by the Griffin-Spalding County School System.

Personnel of the Special Operations Unit initiated that deployment Jan. 5, during which agents located a quantity of marijuana, alcohol, a taser and several knives.

Officials say after a K9 alert, agents searched Hale’s vehicle, and seized less than one ounce of marijuana.

Hale was arrested and charged with possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and possession of less than one ounce of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school.

A juvenile was also arrested and charged with possession of a weapon – a knife – on school grounds.

“No matter what your stance is on marijuana, school is not the place for it,” Dix said. “We will continue to vigorously work and partner with the Griffin-Spalding School System to cease weapons and narcotic activity in our schools.”

A statement issued by GSCSS officials said Hale has resigned from his teaching position.

For alleged possession of a knife, school officials said the arrested student will face disciplinary action according to board policy.

“GSCS is committed to the safety and welfare of its students. The district will continue to work with local law enforcement to ensure all school campuses are safe and drug-free,” the statement concluded.