Teacher Accused of Having Sex With Student

By Jackelyn Barnard First Coast News

WAYCROSS, GA -- The investigation into Ware County's veteran English teacher, James Kurtz, began Friday.

Waycross Police Chief Jim Blackburn says it started with a phone call from Ware County Department of Family and Children's Services.

"We had a call that a Ware County High School student had possibly been assaulted or molested by a teacher there."

Two days later 56-year-old James Kurtz turned himself into police.

The 11 year veteran of Ware County High School is now charged with sexual assault, child molestation, statutory rape and sodomy.

The alleged victim is a 15-year-old girl from the school.

Police say it appears the sexual relationship had been going on since August 2003.

Kurtz teaches 9th grade English and two senior English classes.

Police say he has no prior record in the county.

Ware County's Board of Education released a statement about the arrest on Monday.

"It has been confirmed that a Ware County teacher is in police custody. Since this is a police and personnel matter nothing else can be said at this time. The teacher is being placed on administrative leave with pay until the investigation is complete. We will continue to cooperate with law enforcement officers on this matter."

Police say Kurtz, so far, has not talked to police about the allegations.

He could be in court for a hearing as soon as Tuesday morning.

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