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UPDATE: South Salem teacher arrested after reports of choking a student
Jacob Hoke
Jacob Hoke

UPDATE (Jan. 18, 12 p.m.): According to a Newton County Sheriff's Office incident report, Jacob Hoke, a South Salem Elementary School teacher, was arrested after reports of him choking a Liberty Middle School wrestler during practice. 

Hoke is reportedly the assistant coach of the LMS wrestling team, according to the report. 

NCSO Deputy Christopher Bowles reported not seeing any visible marks on the juvenile. The school administration was notified of the incident and Hoke was not on scene when the deputy arrived. 

According to the report, there were six juvenile witnesses to the incident. 

NCSO Spokesperson Sgt. Michael Cunningham said the incident is "pending prosecution with Newton County’s District Attorney," so more information was not available. 

Editor's note: The NCSO incident report misspells the word "choked" as "chocked." The Covington News confirmed with Sgt. Cunningham, that it is, in fact, meant to be "choked."

PDF: Jacob Hoke's incident report


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COVINGTON, Ga. - A South Salem Elementary School teacher is in the Newton County Jail with nine pending charges, including cruelty to children, and an open investigation with the Newton County School System as of Tuesday. 

Jacob Hoke, 28, of Covington, is facing charges of battery, first-degree cruelty to children, six counts of third-degree cruelty to children and disorderly conduct, according to the Newton County Sheriff's Office inmate information website

The Covington News requested documents from NCSS, including Hoke's personnel file and any information on a personnel investigation, but was denied access. 

"This is currently a personnel matter with an open investigation. As a result, no documents can be released at this time," Sherri Davis, NCSS director of public relations, said in an email response Tuesday afternoon.

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The Covington News will continue to update this story as information becomes available.