Sardis, Burke County Georgia – As result of information developed by the Sardis Police Department, a Burke County Middle School counselor has been arrested by the GBI for having a sexual relationship with a student.

Heather Newman Hart, 34, was arrested today by the GBI on Aggravated Child Molestation and Sexual Assault charges.

Sardis Police requested the assistance of the GBI Thomson Office on April 11, 2011, after their discovery that the counselor might be involved in a sexual relationship with a juvenile student.

The sexual relationship with the student is believed to have been ongoing for approximately one year, and there are no indications that any of the incidents occurred on school property.   Hart has been employed by the Burke County Board of Education for four (4) years.

The Augusta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office is in consultation with the GBI concerning this investigation.  The Sardis Police Department and the Burke County Sheriff’s Office are participating in the investigation.  The Burke County Board of Education has also aided in the investigation.

Additional charges are likely to follow as the investigation continues.

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Contact Information:

SAC Mike Ayers - (706)595-2575