COBB COUNTY, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
Cobb County police said they have arrested two people in connection with two separate incidents at Kell High School in May.
The most serious charge against social studies teacher James Brigham is for felony sexual battery. A female student under age 16 claims he slapped her on the butt. The principal of the school was arrested because she failed to report the claim right away.
"That's crazy, that's crazy. He seems amazing and super nice," said a neighbor of Brigham's that didn't want to be identified.
Neighbors of the teacher were stunned to learn he turned himself in on charges of sexual battery and two counts of simple battery.
"You hear these things on the news and I just had no idea it was across the street," said Linda Howe.
According to the arrest warrant, Brigham is accused of slapping a female student across the face. Three days later, the same student claims Brigham slapped her on the butt. It's alleged both incidents happened inside a classroom at the high school.
Brigham ran to his car and sped off when CBS Atlanta News showed up at his Woodstock home.
Cobb County police arrested principal Trudie Donovan for failing to report the incident within 24 hours as required by law. She waited four days.
The arrest warrant shows another female student came forward during the original investigation. She claims Brigham caressed her arm and said, "Don't act like you don't like it."
"It happens. You think you know, sometimes you think you live in a pretty nice neighborhood and everything is good, but you never know who your neighbors are," said Howe.
CBS Atlanta News reached out to the Cobb County school district. They said they don't comment on personnel matters.
Principal Donovan will retire at the end of this month.
Both were released on bond.
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James Brigham and Trudie Donovan
