Elementary school paraprofessional arrested
Published 11:43 am Wednesday, January 29, 2025
TIFTON — The Tifton Police Department has arrested a paraprofessional of Tift County Schools for sex charges involving a minor.
Andrew Lee O’Kelley, 35, was arrested Jan. 28 around 4 p.m. by Tifton police officers on counts of criminal attempt to commit child molestation and sexual battery against a minor.
According to a release from Tifton PD, a parent of a Northside Elementary School student contacted both Tift County Schools and the police, accusing a paraprofessional of inappropriate touching involving her child, described as “laying her son down in his lap while pretending to play the piano on his stomach.”
Following interviews with students, parents, and witnesses, as well as a presentation of facts and circumstances of the case to a Tift County State Court judge, Tifton Police placed a warrant out for O’Kelley’s arrest.
In a statement of their own, Tift County Schools reported that O’Kelley had been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, and steps were immediately taken following the issue of the warrant to “proceed with appropriate employment action.”
“No child should ever feel threatened or unsafe by any school system employee,” said Natalie Gore, school superintendent. “This behavior is unacceptable, especially from someone entrusted with caring for and guiding our kids. Tift County Schools is deeply committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all of our students.”
The Tifton Police Department has reported that the investigation is currently ongoing, and has requested that residents with information on the case contact its overseer, Lt. Chris Luckey, at (229) 382-3132, or provide an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or using the TiftonPD Tip411 app.