GBI Arrests Teacher for Child Exploitation and Enticement: Bellville teacher resigns during investigation

Claxton, GA (April 19, 2024) – The GBI has arrested and charged Joshua Garrett Blaxton, age 35, of Reidsville, Georgia, with Sexual Exploitation of Children,Enticing a Child for Indecent Purposes, and Improper Sexual Contact by Employee or Agent.

On Friday, April 12, 2024, the Evans County Sheriff asked the GBI to investigate allegations that a teacher/coach at Pinewood Christian Academy in Bellville, Georgia was sending inappropriate text messages to several female students at the school. 

The investigation shows Blaxton sent explicit, nude photographs of himself to female high school students at Pinewood Christian Academy while he was employed as a teacher and coach. He also solicited explicit photographs and sex from at least one student. 

Blaxton is currently booked at the Tattnall County Jail.  

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Evans County Sheriff’s Office at 912-739-1611 or the GBI regional investigative office in Statesboro at 912-871-1121. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Atlantic Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.