LaGrange Academy teacher arrested on child pornography charges
Published 6:17 pm Wednesday, July 24, 2019
A LaGrange Academy teacher has been arrested on charges of child pornography.
Brandon Lybrand, 37, was arrested Tuesday after the criminal investigation division of the Troup County Sheriff’s Office received an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) referral, in regards to Lybrand possibly being in possession of child pornography, according to a press release from the Troup County Sheriff’s Office. Lybrand taught history at the school and served as the school’s baseball coach.
The investigation began July 16 and investigators determined that images of child pornography were present on a computer owned by Lybrand, according to the press release.
He has been charged with four counts of computer electronic pornography and child exploitation.
Lybrand is currently in the Troup County Jail.
Brian Dolinger, head of school at LaGrange Academy, said in an emailed statement to parents that Lybrand is no longer employed at the school.
“We are shocked to share the following difficult information with you. This afternoon, we were informed by the Troup County Sheriff’s Department of the arrest of Mr. Brandon Lybrand for the alleged possession of child pornography. Mr. Lybrand will no longer be employed at LaGrange Academy,” Dolinger said.
“On July 19, the Troup County Sheriff’s Department notified us about their investigation. Immediately after our discussion with the authorities, we placed Mr. Lybrand on administrative leave and began working closely with the sheriff’s department, following their lead on their investigation. At this time, there is no evidence of any overt action toward any of our students.”
Dolinger asked anyone with information about the case to contact authorities.
“LaGrange Academy takes the safety and security of our students very seriously,” Dolinger said. “Open communication is an important part of maintaining a strong partnership with our parents. That partnership helps ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all of our students.”
Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to call the TCSO at (706) 883-1616 or Troup County Crime Stoppers at (706) 812-1000.