ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A teacher at a Carroll County middle school has been arrested after he allegedly abused a student, the local sheriff’s office said.

Villa Rica Middle School teacher Rico Thompson, 54, has been arrested and now faces multiple charges after the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office says a student reported what they are calling an inappropriate act.

“He was my other daughter’s teacher when she was in middle school. Honestly, it makes me sick,” said one parent, who asked to remain anonymous.

According to investigators, the alleged incident occurred on the Villa Rica Middle School campus on Dec. 4. Deputies say they were notified that day after a student reported the incident, triggering an immediate response. Officials say the school resource officer contacted the Sheriff’s Office, which quickly began the process of securing an arrest warrant. Thompson was later taken into custody.

Thompson is now charged with child molestation, enticing a child for indecent purposes, grooming of a minor, sexual exploitation of children, and sexual assault by persons with supervisory or disciplinary authority.

The anonymous parent we spoke with says her daughter, who is currently in Thompson’s class, also showed signs she believed were grooming behaviors.

“She said she was hugging him and that he was calling her pet names, like ‘mama’ and ‘babes,’ and she felt uncomfortable. So last week when she heard that he got arrested, it didn’t surprise her,” the parent said.

“We appreciate the quick response and ongoing coordination with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office,” Cowart wrote. “We have a wonderful relationship and open communication with local law enforcement agencies to ensure that our schools are a safe place for students and employees. In this case, we thank them again for their prompt action.”

The district has not commented on Thompson’s current employment status.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who may be a victim or has information about Thompson is urged to contact Investigator Michael Rae by calling 770-830-5916

If you or someone you know is a victim, you can also contact the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office at 770-830-5916.

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