A former assistant principal at Morgan County High School in Madison, Ga. was arrested Friday and charged with multiple counts of Sexual Assault by Persons with Supervisory or Disciplinary Authority, Sexual battery and one count of rape.
The accused is 34-year-old Ryan Rickard who, according to the GBI, was previously under federal investigation for attempting to access child pornography online. The GBI’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit was requested by Homeland Security Investigations to assist with the investigation because it had elements of federal crimes as well as state crimes.
“Child sexual abuse inflicts life-long mental and physical scars on its victims and the added abuse of power in this case makes the crime even more egregious,” said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta Nick Annan.
The charges against Rickard were taken in Walton, Oconee and Morgan counties. Prior to serving as assistant principal in Morgan County, Rickard was a teacher at North Oconee High School in Watkinsville and a teacher and athletic director at Memorial Middle School in Conyers. As a student teacher, Rickard taught at Burke County High School.
According to the GBI, agents have identified three students who were victims, but are searching for any additional victims. The GBI asks anyone with information to call 404-270-8870 or email Tips@gbi.ga.gov or contact Homeland Security Investigations at 404-346-2300.
