2 teens charged in Coweta County child exploitation case, teacher also facing charges
Two teens arrested in child exploitation case, teacher also facing charges
A Coweta County teacher faces several charges including child cruelty. Patricia Fulford teaches at East Coweta High School. The investigation also led to deputies charging two teens with child exploitation.
COWETA COUNTY, Ga. - The Coweta County Sheriff’s Office has made multiple arrests in an ongoing investigation which led to the arrests of two teenagers on charges of sexual exploitation and a teacher charged with cruelty to children and contributing to deliquency, authorities announced this week.
What we know:
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began in December 2024 after officials received reports involving potential child sexual exploitation. During the course of the investigation, the Criminal Investigation Unit developed probable cause to charge Patricia Fulford with multiple offenses.
Fulford was arrested on April 7 after turning herself in at the Coweta County Detention Center. She is facing the following charges:
- Maintaining a Disorderly House (Misdemeanor)
- Two counts of Cruelty to Children in the 2nd Degree (Felony)
- Two counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (Misdemeanor)
Two 15-year-olds have also been charged in connection with the case. One teen faces charges of child sexual exploitation (felony), sodomy (felony), and contributing to the delinquency of a minor (misdemeanor). The second teen is charged with child sexual exploitation (felony) and contributing to the delinquency of a minor (misdemeanor).
Fulford has been employed for several years by the East Coweta High School. According to the school district, she has been placed on administrative leave.
Patricia Fulford. Photo supplied by Coweta County Sheriff's Office
What we don't know:
The sheriff’s office confirmed that this is an active and ongoing investigation involving multiple individuals, and additional charges may be forthcoming. They did not reveal any details about the investigation or indicate how many other people may be involved. The teens were not identified because of their ages. Their relationship to Fulford is unknown.
What they're saying:
The arrest has shocked the East Coweta High School community.
"It really surprises me and shocks me," said Deborah Harless, whose grandson attends the school. "It is very disturbing. It does worry me having kids over there."
Ashley Austria, a sophomore at East Coweta, echoed those concerns.
"When I first saw it, I was like, ‘Oh my god,’" Austria said. "I don’t think I could ever see anybody ever doing that. I just want to know what happened. I am concerned for my safety and for other kids’ — for what could go on and nobody could ever know."