The former T.R. Miller teacher arrested Wednesday for an alleged sexual relationship with a student has allegedly confessed and is back in Brewton, and new details in the case paint a deeply disturbing image of the alleged crimes.

 

In an impromptu press conference Thursday afternoon at the Brewton Police Department, Chief Monte McGougin said at least eight female students have made allegations against 32-year-old Jeffery Lance Ganious.

 

“And others we feel may come forward,” McGougin said.

 

Gainous, who was known as “Mr. G” to students, left TRM in June after six years as band director to teach at Thomas County Central High School in Georgia. Investigators traveled to Georgia earlier this week and arrested Gainous Wednesday.

 

McGougin said of the eight victims, one female alleged she and Gainous engaged in sexual intercourse in the band room and at Gainous’ home.

 

The investigation began, he said, when one woman – now 20 – came forward.

 

McGougin said investigators have uncovered sexting conversations between Gainous and the victims. Gainous is also accused of tying up the teenage girls and gagging them using ropes and other bondage devices.

 

“All of these victims, they all tell similar stories,” McGougin said. “There could be more victims, but I can’t speculate. I can say I hope we can close the door on this case and move it out of the city of Brewton.”

 

McGougin said school board officials are “just as upset as we are.”

 

“I know what kids said about (Gainous),” he said. “They loved him. They say he was great, but this is terrible. It’s bad when a place where your child should be protected isn’t safe. I will say that the school board is as upset as we are.

 

“It’s disturbing,” McGougin said of the case.

 

Ganious is charged with teacher sexual conduct with a student, a Class B felony.

 

When asked if Gainous will face additional charges, McGougin said, “Absolutely.”