Hazelhurst, GA (August 14, 2026) – The GBI has arrested and charged Fernando Chavez, age 31, of Hazelhurst, GA, a teacher employed with Jeff Davis County Schools, with one count of Improper Sexual Contact with a Student and one count of Interference with Custody.

On August 14, 2026, the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office (JDCSO) requested the GBI to investigate allegations that Chavez, while employed as a teacher with Jeff Davis County Schools, had inappropriate contact with a student. The inappropriate contact occurred away from school grounds during the previous school year.

Chavez was booked into the Jeff Davis County Jail.

The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI’s Regional Investigative Office in Douglas at 912-389-4103. 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 Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.