School system spokesman Gordon Higgins says on April 20, West Hall principal Dr. Jackie Adams received a complaint from a female student who stated she had been touched inappropriately by paraprofessional Larry W. Knowels.
Dr. Adams called the Hall County Sheriff's Department which began an investigation. During the period of the investigation Knowels was placed on leave.
On Friday the Hall County Sheriff's Department informed the Hall County School System that Knowels had been arrested and charged with one count of misdemeanor sexual battery. Higgins says as a result Knowles, "Who had been placed on suspension during this investigation will now be recommended for termination when the Board meets in its next meeting."
Prior to coming to his current position as a paraprofessional, Knowels had retired as an educator in Michigan and worked for a period of time as a teacher in Hall County. He has been employed by the school district since August 2001.
Knowels passed through a series of reference and background checks, all of which were satisfactory.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2006/5/110712