Former teacher accused of child molestation in Bryan County kept teaching for two weeks after school learned of allegations, internal records show

by Augostina Mallous

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WTOC) - For the first time, internal school records, emails and investigative documents obtained by WTOC reveal how Bryan County Schools handled the allegations against former Richmond Hill Middle School teacher Rory Mooney — including why he remained in the classroom for nearly two weeks after the school learned of the allegations against him.

Mooney was arrested in June 2026 and faces felony charges of child molestation and making a false statement. He was denied bond at his arraignment, turned down a plea deal and entered a not guilty plea.

How It Started

On the night of Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, a sixth grade student told his mother he had witnessed Mooney pleasuring himself behind his desk during class. The mother called police.

Richmond Hill Police responded and referred the case to the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office.

Three days later, on Monday, Oct. 20, the school resource officer informed Principal Jonathan Lea. Records show the school moved immediately.

Administrators met with the student and his family, interviewed Mooney, filed a report with the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services and launched an internal investigation, all on the same day.

Mooney denied everything in writing.

Records also show Mooney was a seasoned educator with more than two decades of teaching experience and credentials from countries including Kenya, Malaysia, Singapore and Abu Dhabi before coming to Bryan County Schools.

Renee Harden, a Richmond Hill mother whose son regularly interacted with Mooney, says she was stunned when she found out.

“I immediately asked my son, ‘Hey, do you know this guy?’” Harden said. “He’s like, ‘Yeah.’ He used to give him blow pops and have him in his office after class, every day.”

Harden continued, “I was just stunned, like, ‘Oh my gosh, you were in that close of proximity with this guy who was supposed to be someone safe.’”

What Investigators Found and Didn’t Find

DFCS reviewed the report filed by the school but determined the allegations did not meet Georgia statute and policy requirements concerning child abuse and neglect and screened the case out.

The school also interviewed students and witnesses and conducted a forensic review of Mooney’s district-issued laptop. That review found no evidence of inappropriate use.

The school’s own investigation summary concluded: “The investigation was unable to substantiate the allegation; however, during the course of the investigation, details were discovered that were not conducive to Mr. Mooney maintaining his employment with Bryan County Schools.”

On Oct. 22, before students arrived, law enforcement performed a forensic spray test in Mooney’s classroom. A presumptive positive was found on the underside of his desk chair. The chair was confiscated. But further analysis was needed and that took time.

It wasn’t until Nov. 3 that the lab confirmed the substance was spermatozoa and a warrant was issued for Mooney’s DNA. During that nearly two-week period, Mooney remained in the classroom.

Harden says that is exactly what concerns parents most.

“Why were schools not calling parents and letting them know that we have this person, this is what’s going on?” Harden said. “They should have offered therapeutic services, counseling of some sort immediately.”

Mooney Resigns in Lieu of Termination

The very next morning, Nov. 4, before students arrived, administrators confronted Mooney. According to records, when asked if the DNA would be a match, Mooney said, “Possibly.”

Principal Lea then asked Mooney, “Do you know what position this puts us in?”

Mooney admitted to coming into the school on weekends and giving in to, in his words, “an urge.” He maintained it never happened in front of students.

Mooney resigned in lieu of termination that morning. Key fob records later confirmed he had accessed the building on multiple weekends throughout the school year.“ But they had the accusation, that’s enough right there,” Harden said.

“Because the children’s safety should be considered first and foremost before anything else. They’re supposed to be around people they can trust and feel safe with. If we have predators in the school, how are our children going to be safe?”

The School’s Response

The school alerted the Georgia Professional Standards Commission about a week after Mooney resigned.

WTOC attended the Bryan County Board of Education’s regular monthly meeting in July. Neither the school board nor the new superintendent would speak to WTOC on camera.

Bryan County Schools provided WTOC with a written statement saying: “Richmond Hill Middle School and Bryan County Schools responded to the allegations immediately upon becoming aware of them and fully cooperated with law enforcement throughout the investigation.”

The district also said it learned of Mooney’s arrest and indictment the same way many parents did, through social media and news reports, approximately seven months after his resignation.

The statement added: “This situation is complex, involving personnel issues and legal matters, both of which impact the district’s ability to release information.”