SGES coach charged with child molestation

Spalding County authorities were out in force Wednesday morning searching the Griffin home of Dan Keeley who has been charged with child molestation. Keeley coached at St. George’s Episcopal School in Milner until earlier this month. He had been at the school for 12 years.UPDATE: Spalding sheriff Wendell Beam has released additional details on this case.Sheriff Wendell Beam Reports:The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office arrested a former Physical Education teacher from St. George’s Episcopal School located in Milner, Georgia. Daniel Edward Keeley, 36 years old, of 101 Four Oaks Drive, Griffin, Georgia is being held in the Spalding County Detention Center, charged with Enticing a Child for Indecent Purposes; Child Molestation; Sexual Battery and Sexual Assault. The charges were brought against Mr. Keeley from an on-going investigation that involved a 14 year old female student.A Search Warrant was executed on Mr. Keeley’s residence on 03/27/2013 which resulted in the seizure of some evidence.The investigation is continuing and interviews will be conducted by investigators when school resumes next week. St George’s Episcopal School is on Spring break this week.SGES students are on spring break this week. In an e-mail to parents Headmaster Dr. Larry Collins wrote, “On Monday, March 25th, an arrest warrant was issued for Mr. Keeley regarding an allegation of one case of child molestation. The school has fully cooperated with investigators. They have told me that the alleged incident occurred off campus and after school hours in Spalding County and involved one minor.”Reports are a female, the alleged victim, was interviewed at a Macon facility and the investigation proceeded from there.The full text of Dr. Collins’ statement to school families follows:March 26, 2013 Dear SGES Family, In the Friday, March 15th edition of Dragon Tales, I informed you that Coach Dan Keeley would not be returning due to personal commitments related to his moving to Cartersville. Since that time, I have learned some concerning news. On Monday, March 25th, an arrest warrant was issued for Mr. Keeley regarding an allegation of one case of child molestation. The school has fully cooperated with investigators. They have told me that the alleged incident occurred off campus and after school hours in Spalding County and involved one minor.  I believe our families should be informed of this pending legal matter. The school’s trustees, administration, faculty, and parents are concerned about the serious nature of this situation. The school has no role in the investigation. It is being led by Investigator Sheryl Brown of the Spalding County Sherriff’s Office. In wanting to keep the SGES family updated and in a desire to provide potential resources for us to use as we are asked questions by our children, we are scheduling a meeting for parents and faculty next Monday, April 1, at 7:00 pm in Billy’s Chapel at school. Since we at St. George’s are not part of the investigation, there will be no discussing any specifics of the allegation itself; we will maintain strict confidentiality according to SGES policy and the laws of Georgia.  SGES sees the well-being of our students as our highest priority and takes appropriate measures immediately if we believe their well-being is at risk. The school maintains up-to-date and applicable policies and procedures which guide our responses and actions as we work to safeguard our children.  Please contact me if I can be of assistance to your family. I ask that you join me in praying for our SGES family.