Crime & Safety
Police: Teacher Caught Shoplifting in Athens While Grand-Daughter, 3, Was Alone
The Richmond County teacher was in town on a school field trip.
Athens Police arrested a high school teacher who is accused of leaving her 3-year-old grand-daughter alone in a hotel room while she shoplifted at a Party City.
The Athens Banner-Herald reported Vernell G. Morgan, 60, a teacher at Glenn Hills High in Richmond County, was in Athens Friday on a school field trip during the time of the incident.
Police said Morgan tried to steal $25 in items at Party City on Atlanta Highway, and when she was handcuffed by police she told them that her grand-daughter was alone at the Holiday Inn Express.
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Department of Family and Children Services took custody of the girl. Morgan was charged with shoplifting and reckless conduct. She has been released on bond from the Clarke County jail.
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