Dade County High School Principal Brent Cooper Arrested on Sex Charges

Dade County High School Principal Brent Cooper Arrested on Two Counts of Improper Sexual Contact

Dade County High School Principal Joseph “Brent” Cooper was arrested on October 29, 2026, on two counts of violating Georgia code O.C.G.A. 16-6-5.1 for improper sexual contact by an employee, agent, or foster parent, local3news.com reported.

The investigation began after the school resource officer at Dade County High School received information concerning possible misconduct, according to discoverdade.com. Deputies with the Dade County Sheriff’s Office subsequently executed a search warrant covering the entirety of the school’s campus. While the Georgia Bureau of Investigation assisted with the case, Dade County deputies are leading the ongoing inquiry.

Administrative Leave and Daily Operations

Following the arrest, Dade County School District Superintendent Josh Ingle issued a letter to families confirming that Cooper has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. In his place, the district’s two assistant principals have taken over daily school operations, backed by additional support from district leadership.

“I recognize the trust you place in our schools each day,” Superintendent Ingle wrote in his communication to the community, as reported by local3news.com. “We take that responsibility seriously and remain committed to the safety, well-being, and education of every student we serve.”

Active Investigation and Community Outreach

Authorities have stressed that the investigation remains active and developing. The Dade County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who believes they may have been a victim, or anyone who possesses additional information regarding the case, to contact the Criminal Investigations Division directly at [email protected].

Dade County High School Principal Brent Cooper Arrested on Sex Charges — Photo: wdef.com

Prior to the confirmation of the criminal charges, an initial complaint prompted a visible law enforcement presence on the school grounds. At the time, officials noted publicly that the situation did not involve violence or any direct threat of violence to students or staff.

As the legal process moves forward, school district officials continue working alongside the Board of Education to manage administrative next steps while law enforcement pursues further details.