The director of athletics for the George County School District has been arrested for allegedly possessing and sharing child pornography.
Chris West, 51, was taken into custody on Thursday by the George County Sheriff’s Office and charged with one count of possession of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography. The George County School District confirmed the arrest in a news release.
“The George County School District has just been made aware of the allegations against Chris West and is fully cooperating with law enforcement in this matter,” Superintendent Wade Whitney said. “The safety and well-being of our students is always our paramount concern. As with any personnel matter, we cannot comment on the specifics of the situation at this time.”
The George County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office is directing the investigation into West. Authorities said West is being held at the George County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
“We remain committed to supporting the ongoing investigation and ensuring justice is served,” Sheriff Mitchell Mixon said.
West has worked in various roles since being hired by the school district in 1999, including teacher and coach at George County High School and principal at Leakesville Junior High School. He was awarded the Distinguished Coach Award in 2008 by the Mississippi Association of Coaches.
His biography has since been removed from the George County School District’s website.
