VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - A math teacher and golf coach at Lowndes High School was arrested on June 5 after allegedly having a sexual relationship with a student.

The teacher, Derrick Yarbourgh, is charged with sodomy, child molestation and sexual assault by a person with disciplinary or supervisory authority, according to the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO).

According to the police report, the alleged incidents occurred between January 2018 and January 2024. Yarbourgh is no longer in the classroom, as he is currently being held in the Lowndes County Jail.

Still, this case has caused some concern among parents, some of whom said they found out about the arrest through social media, not the school district.

“Stuff like that should never happen,” one parent said. “They need to let everyone know what’s going on. I live five minutes down the road and didn’t hear anything.”

Another parent said Yarbrough previously taught at a middle school before transitioning to the high school.

“As a middle school teacher, this could’ve been anyone’s child. It’s shocking and disturbing. So many students and parents trusted him.”

The school system responded to the incident in a statement:

“While personnel matters are confidential and we are limited in what we can share, we can confirm that immediate actions were taken and Mr. Yarbrough will have no access to Lowndes County Schools students, staff or facilities as an employee of the system. The safety of our students, staff and their families remains our top priority.”

In 2025, Yarbrough was selected by students as a Golden Apple Award recipient — an annual honor where graduating seniors choose an educator who impacted them the most.

WALB is working to learn if Yarbrough will be granted bond. Stay with us.

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