Former School Resource Officer Arrested by GBI for Oath Violation and False Statements

On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) arrested David Matthew Jackels, a 47-year-old former Habersham County School Resource Officer, on charges of Violation of Oath of Office by a Public Officer and False Statements.

The investigation was initiated on February 29, 2024, when Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell requested the GBI to conduct an independent inquiry into allegations regarding Jackels’ interactions with students. The alleged crime was Jackels inappropriate communication with a student at the High School.

Following the completion of the investigation, Jackels was arrested.

Jackels is a 25-year law enforcement veteran. He joined the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office in 2018.

He has since been booked into the Habersham County Detention Center. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Cleveland, GA at (706) 348-4866. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney for prosecution.