Georgia teacher, baseball coach fired after arrest on child porn charges

LAGRANGE, Ga. — A Georgia private school teacher and baseball coach was fired after being arrested Tuesday on child pornography charges, authorities said.

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Brandon Lybrand, 37, of LaGrange, faces four counts of computer electronic pornography and child exploitation after images were found on his computer, the Troup County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.

The investigation began July 16 after deputies received a tip from the GBI's Internet Crimes Against Children task force, the release said.

Lybrand was a history teacher at LaGrange Academy, where he also served as the school’s baseball coach. According to his public Facebook page, he began working at the school in August 2013.

The head of school, Brian Dolinger, emailed AJC.com a statement that said Lybrand was fired after his arrest. He had been placed on administrative leave Friday, which is when the school was notified about the investigation.

“We are shocked to share the following difficult information with you. This afternoon, we were informed by the Troup County Sheriff’s Department of the arrest of Mr. Brandon Lybrand for the alleged possession of child pornography. Mr. Lybrand will no longer be employed at LaGrange Academy,” Dolinger’s statement said.

Dolinger said there is no evidence of “any overt action toward” any students at LaGrange Academy. He also said anyone with information about the investigation should contact the sheriff’s office at 706-833-1616.

“LaGrange Academy takes the safety and security of our students very seriously,” the statement continued. “Open communication is an important part of maintaining a strong partnership with our parents. That partnership helps ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all of our students.”

Cox Media Group