Chip Harp, Valdosta Today Editor

VALDOSTA — The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office has completed its investigation of a Lowndes High School teacher and issued an arrest warrant.

Phoebe Jo Chapman has been arrested and charged with three counts of Sexual Assault, one count of each confirmed victim.  Chapman surrendered herself to the Lowndes County Jail this morning.

Rumors of improper conduct by a Lowndes teacher surfaced last week but no charges had been filed until today.  Valdosta Today did not report on the events of last week due to a policy of not reporting on rumors, especially of this nature.

However, after an investigation including interviews with three students at Lowndes High School, the improper sexual activity was confirmed, prompting the issuance of the warrant.  Valdosta Today News Director Allison Ericson will have more as information becomes available.

Sheriff Chris Prine stressed the investigation is continuing and additional victims may be identified.  Sheriff Prine asks anyone with information about this case to please contact the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office at 229.671.2950.