Man on sex offender registry gains access to Tate Elementary

JASPER, Ga.- Friday, March 22, 2019, at approximately 9:06 a.m. a man gained access to Tate Elementary school. He was in the building for 5 minutes before being escorted to the office by office personnel, at which time a copy of his ID was obtained. It was found that this man was on the sex offender registry. No students or staff were involved.

Jasper, Georgia – An incident occurred this morning at Tate Elementary School where at approximately 9:06 a.m., a male individual gained access to the building. After being in the building for 5 minutes, he was confronted by office personnel, at which time he was escorted to the office. A photocopy of his ID was obtained. School personnel ran his ID information and discovered that the male subject is listed on the sex offender registry.

Due to the upgraded security camera system, district staff can confirm that the subject had no direct interactions with students. Warrants have been issued for his arrest and an ongoing investigation continues with the Criminal Investigation Division of the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office.

We want to assure all parents and our community that we take these situations seriously. We must all work together as a community of students, parents and school personnel to keep our campuses safe. Our number one goal is to provide a safe and secure environment for all students and staff, and we will continue to remain vigilant in our efforts.

If you have any questions, please contact the district office at 706-253-1700.