WBMS teacher arrested in connection with teen's death

A female Winder-Barrow Middle School teacher was arrested March 6 in connection with the suspected drug-related death of a Winder teenager. Barrow County school superintendent Wanda Creel released a statement at 6:10 p.m. March 7 confirming the arrest and saying the teacher as of 5:39 p.m. Thursday "is no longer an employee with the Barrow County School System.”

Creel said an ethics complaint would be filed with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission against Emily Jones, who taught sixth-grade math and had worked for the school system for 14 years. The sheriff's office has identified the teacher as Emily Susan Smith. Both the school system and a defense attorney have identified her as Emily Jones.

According to the school superintendent's statement, the teacher was charged with distribution/solicitation with an electronic device, reckless conduct, and criminal intent to distribute methadone.

A BCSO press release Friday alleged that the teacher "assisted the victim via cell phone in reference to obtaining a controlled substance prior to her death." The press release also states that the "victim was allowed to supervise Smith's minor child at the time they were attempting to obtain a controlled substance."

Sheriff Jud Smith said the teacher was allowed to turn herself in on March 6 so that the middle school students would not have to witness her arrest. He said the suspect spent about six hours in the Barrow County Detention Center and was released the same day on an $8,000 bond. Based on the preliminary investigation, it does not appear that the teacher had been distributing drugs on school grounds, he said.

The alleged victim was 18 years old and a 2012 graduate of Winder-Barrow High School. She died a couple of weeks ago in her sleep. A source said she was a close friend of the suspect and had been a regular babysitter for the teacher's child.

Athens Attorney Michael C. Daniel notified the Barrow Journal on Friday morning that he is representing Emily Jones.

He said his client denies culpability in the case and clarified that she was not fired but resigned from her teaching position with the understanding that she could be rehired if she is acquitted.

Said the attorney: “Mrs. Jones denies the allegations brought by the Barrow County Sheriff’s Department. Ms. Jones has had an exemplary 13 year career with the Barrow County School District. She resigned her position to focus on defending herself. She choose to resign based on the agreement that the School District will consider her for re-hire once the charges are dealt with.”