Authorities in Henry County are intensifying their search for Rodney Freeman, the man accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old student in McDonough earlier this month. Freeman is suspected of committing the assault last Friday and is currently the subject of an active arrest warrant. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, investigators are seeking assistance from the public to locate Freeman.
The manhunt for Freeman has been complicated by his status as a missing person, reported on Wednesday. Freeman, a Navy JROTC instructor at Union Grove High School, had reportedly offered to give his victim, who was his student, a ride to work. In the wake of the allegations, the Henry County Police believe he may now be actively trying to evade capture. As reported by Atlanta News First, the school district stated, "Henry County Schools was made aware of a law enforcement investigation involving one of our staff members. This prompted him to be placed on administrative leave."
Since then, "He has since become the subject of a missing persons investigation, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest related to an off campus incident," continued the school district's statement. Freeman's disappearance and the charges against him have shaken the community, given his position of trust as an educator and his role in the Navy JROTC program.
Authorities are appealing to anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation. Detective T. Overbey can be reached at (770) 288-8389, and tips can also be relayed to the Henry County Non-Emergency Dispatch at (770) 957-9121, or by sending text messages to (770) 220-7009. The seriousness of the accusations and the potential risk to public safety mean finding Freeman quickly has become a top priority. "Henry County Police Department at (770) 288-8200" is the contact provided for any leads on Freeman's location, as urgency grows with each passing day of the search.
