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$3 Million Dollar Settlement Proposed in Worth County High School Drug Search Case

WALB-TV

Worth County may be paying a $3 million dollar settlement after an invasive drug search of students. 

 

The Atlanta-Journal Constitution is reporting that the proposed $3 million dollar settlement will go to 850 students that were searched for drugs at Worth County High School in April.

 

Worth County Sheriff Jeff Hobby locked down the school for more than four hours, and ordered a school-wide search. Students reported that the deputies searched their clothing and bodies in an invasive manner, and some felt sexually violated. No drugs were found on any students.

 

Hobby was suspended from his position as Worth County sheriff on Monday by Governor Nathan Deal. In October, he was indicted by a Worth County grand jury of sexual battery, violating oath of office and false imprisonment.

 

The settlement is a result of the federal civil rights lawsuit, and is pending federal court approval.