Chad Stone, the former Principal of Tift County High School, has recently been the subject of significant news coverage following an investigation that led to his arrest on multiple felony charges. This article delves into the details surrounding the case, the charges he faces, and the community's response.
Arrest and Charges
On February 21, 2024, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) arrested Chad Stone, age 50, of Tifton, GA. He is charged with theft by taking and unauthorized use of a financial transaction card, specifically the misuse of government-issued cards.
Stone is facing five unauthorized use of financial transaction card charges and one theft by taking felony charge. He was later released on a $10,000 bond.
Investigation Details
The investigation revealed that Stone, while serving as the Principal of Tift County High School, misused school credit cards and made unauthorized purchases. The charges are a result of a GBI investigation that began in February. The investigation remains active and ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Tifton Police Department at 229-382-3132 or the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Sylvester at 229-777-2080.
This came after a Professional Standards Commission (PSC) investigation found Stone violated three ethical standards while an educator in Tift County.
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According to Tift County School officials, the charges were brought in connection with multiple incidents identified during the investigative period initiated based on the original PSC complaint. From the time of the original PSC complaint to recent weeks, an investigation was started by the GBI that culminated with Wednesday’s charges. School officials say they “yield to the GBI for any further comment on today’s arrest.”
PSC Investigation and Findings
The Professional Standards Commission (PSC) investigation found that Stone had violated three ethical standards during his time as an educator in Tift County. The initial finding of "misuse of public funds" is said to involve Stone paying his daughter, a student, a total of $3,300 in school funds to clean Brodie Field after events.
The GPSC on Jan. 11 suspended Stone's educator certification for 30 days. Following that action, the Tift County Board of Education (BOE) immediately placed Stone on administrative leave with pay.
Resignation and Previous Administrative Leave
Stone resigned from his position as Tift County High School principal on Feb. 12. Prior to his resignation, the Tift BOE had also placed Stone on administrative leave for five days in September for unspecified reasons.
In an exclusive interview with WALB News 10 earlier in February, Stone mentioned he was in the process of filing an appeal against the commission’s findings. “I don’t think we did anything ethically wrong. I don’t think I did. The PSC felt like that there was something I could have done better. We have humans have to take what comes with it and move forward, and that’s where we plan to go,” Stone said in that interview.
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Ongoing Investigation and Additional Information
Tift County School officials have shared additional relevant information from the investigation with the PSC. Stone’s previous case is currently pending with the Georgia Attorney General’s office. PSC officials have stated that they will either expand their previous investigation or open up a new case against Stone in light of the new charges.
The GBI’s investigation into Stone is still active, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Tifton Police Department at 229-382-3132 or the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Sylvester at 229-777-2080.
Community Involvement and Other Local News
Beyond the Chad Stone case, Tifton and Tift County have seen various community activities and developments:
- USDA Agricultural Research Service: Breaking ground for a new Tifton facility to enhance agricultural research and innovation.
- Fulwood Park Playground: Opening of an all-inclusive, ADA-accessible playground for children in Tifton.
- ABAC’s “Listen to the Land” Project: Receiving an award for its innovative multimedia event combining sound, visual arts, and more.
- Tree City USA Community: Tifton recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation for over 30 years of commitment to urban forestry.
- Ms. ABAC Contest: Twenty contestants vie for the title in Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s annual event.
- Transportation Investment Act Project: GDOT seeks comments on a proposed project on Interstate 75 at Exit 69.
- Camellia Garden Club: Members celebrate "Camellia Day" by delivering floral arrangements to various locations.
These activities reflect the ongoing development and community engagement in Tifton and Tift County.
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