IN BRIEF: The deputy who was fired after an investigation into allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a Heritage High School student was arrested by the Georgia Bureau of Investigations for charges of lying to investigators.

Thomas Matthew Donahue, 32, of Covington, was charged with false statements/writings, concealment of facts, and violation of oath by a public officer.

He was booked into the Rockdale County jail on March 1 and released two days later.

Donahue was fired Feb. 10 after the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office found he “did not act with professionalism and (he) used poor judgment, reflecting discredit upon the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office.” 

According to a previous released statement from the RCSO, "Sheriff Jeff Wigington felt that Deputy Donahue acted in a manner that was not consistent with departmental standards and that it was in the department’s best interest to terminate his employment with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office."

Donahue and the 18-year-old girl both denied the allegations of an inappropriate relationship in written statements. However, Donahue’s responses to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's polygraph test “indicated deception” when he answered questions about whether or not he had sexual contact with the student, according to an RCSO internal investigation report.

The internal investigation began after Principal Greg Fowler contacted the RCSO on Jan. 30. Fowler had reportedly received complaints from teachers around Jan. 25. An inventory of Donahue's desk at the school revealed an envelope with scantily clad pictures of the student as well as love notes from the student.

Donahue was employed with the RCSO for about five years and this was his second year assigned to the school.