Rabun County High School cafeteria worker charged with child molestation

Authorities say the 26-year-old employee faces multiple charges related to inappropriate contact with a minor

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A cafeteria worker at Rabun County High School in Georgia has been arrested and charged with child molestation, grooming a minor, and sexual exploitation of a child. The investigation began after the school district's board of education asked deputies to look into allegations of inappropriate communications and physical contact between the 26-year-old employee and a minor.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of vigilance and swift action when allegations of child abuse or exploitation arise within schools and other institutions that serve minors. It underscores the need for thorough background checks, training, and oversight to protect vulnerable students.

The details

Ashleigh Wilson, a 26-year-old cafeteria worker from Clayton, Georgia, was arrested and charged with aggravated child molestation, child molestation, grooming of a minor, and sexual exploitation of a child. The charges stem from an investigation initiated by the Rabun County High School district's board of education, which asked deputies to look into allegations of inappropriate communications and physical contact between Wilson and a minor.

  • The investigation into Wilson began in February 2026.
  • Wilson was arrested and booked into the Rabun County Detention Center on Thursday, February 27, 2026.

The players

Ashleigh Wilson

A 26-year-old cafeteria worker at Rabun County High School in Clayton, Georgia, who has been charged with child molestation and related offenses.

Rabun County High School

The high school where Wilson was employed as a cafeteria worker and where the alleged incidents involving a minor took place.

Rabun County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the allegations against Wilson and made the arrest.

Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office

The prosecutorial authority that will handle the case against Wilson once the investigation is completed.

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What they’re saying

“We must take all allegations of child abuse or exploitation extremely seriously and act swiftly to protect our students.”

— Rabun County School Board Member (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The criminal investigation into Wilson's actions will continue, and the case will be turned over to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for prosecution once completed.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for schools and other institutions that serve minors to have robust policies, training, and oversight in place to prevent and quickly address any allegations of inappropriate conduct or abuse. Vigilance and swift action are essential to protecting vulnerable children.