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Listed on the February 5 Arrest Report at the Chattooga County Jail are:

Andy Steven Avans, Lafayette — Sentenced

Julie Amanda Barber, Trion — Sentenced

Norman Scott Bebout, Cedartown — VGCSA/ Possession of Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm or Knife during the Commission or Attempt to Commit a Crime; Possession of less than one ounce of Marijuana; Possession/ Use of Drug Related Objects; Drugs to be kept in original container; DUI/ Drugs; Expired Tag

Cynthia Amanda Narmore, Trion — Failure to Appear 

Walker County School Superintendent  Damon Raines announced in a prepared statement Monday that Lafayette High Coach Norman Hodge has resigned his position.

Hodge was arrested Friday afternoon on charges involving an alleged sexual relationship with a student, reportedly a 17-year-old female. Sources close to the family say the girl's father reported Hodge.  

The Superintendent's statement reads: "An immediate investigation ensued following current school system protocols. The school counselor made a referral to the Department of Family and Child Services for their involvement and then law enforcement was contacted. Hodge resigned as a result of the investigation."  

According to Sheriff Steve Wilson, there are two counts of sexual assault by an authority figure in the case, and Hodge was release Saturday on a $5000 dollar bond. The alleged acts happened off school property, Wilson said.  The Sheriff's Department plans to interview the student, as the investigation continues.

 Hodge, age 42, was a social studies teacher and golf coach. He also is a former Lafayette city councilman, but resigned that posted when he moved his residence out of the city limits. 

Legally, there may be a question as to whether such a case will stand. The Georgia Supreme Court recently ruled that when a teen is older than 16, consent can be used as a defense in cases of sex between teachers and students. Lawmakers in Atlanta are currently working to close that loophole, which freed at least two teachers who were charged with having sex with students.

 Aside from an legal penalties, the Georgia Professional Standards Commission defines having sex with a student as "unethical behavior" for a teacher. Proof of such charges could lead to the commission suspending or revoking a permit to teach in the state. 

WRCB News in Chattanooga recetnly interviewed Penville residents  Diane and Bradley Hartline who told them  the violence at Hays State Prison hasn't scared them off yet.

The couple have lived in Chattooga County for 28 years and since the early 90s with a prison in their backyard.

Diane said she isn't in fear but has seen some uneasy times.

 "Guards come here and tell us to keep our vehicles locked and our doors locked in case we are scared, she said."

Bradley Hartline says the inmates he's met have been respectful.

"Hey, I just talk to them," he says. "They are just like you and me sitting here talking."

 Since late December three inmates were killed and most recently two guards were stabbed on the job, but recently returned to work. 

It's labeled a "Close" security prison meaning the prisoners are at risk of escape or injuring others and requires more supervision. According to the Department of Corrections, a close security prison, is the same thing as a maximum security prison in other states. 

As of Monday Red Cross disaster shelter locations in Bartow and Gordon counties will also serve as Red Cross casework centers for families with emergency needs resulting from significant storm damage to their homes. Residents who cannot live in their homes are being urged to call to set up an appointment to meet with a caseworker or to simply drop by a Red Cross center. Residents whose damaged homes are livable but have other disaster-caused needs are asked being asked  to call and arrange to speak with a Red Cross caseworker.