Former Douglas County teacher, coach pleads guilty to sexually abusing student

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A former Douglas County high school teacher and track and field coach has pleaded guilty to abusing a student.

Kerry Hood, 48, was convicted of three counts of first-degree improper sexual contact by an employee or agent on Monday. He was sentenced to 25 years, with 12 to be served in prison and the rest to be served on probation, court records show.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Lithia Springs High School coach accused of sexual assault denied bond

Hood, who was a teacher and coach at Lithia Springs High School, surrendered to deputies in May 2024. Two days earlier, the victim told law enforcement she was assaulted by Hood for months while she was a student and track team athlete.

The sheriff’s office said the reported incidents happened on school grounds and in other states. After his arrest, the school district fired Hood.

As part of his guilty plea, Hood has to register as a sex offender. He also can’t contact the victim or work in a position with authority over minors.