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A Cobb County elementary school teacher and high school football coach is facing a felony incest charge after allegedly sexually assaulting an underage relative — an arrest that has prompted the school district to bar him from all campuses and launch an internal investigation.
Mareno Smith, 37, of Acworth, is the Rocky Mount Elementary School Teacher and Allatoona High School Coach Accused of Sexual Assault of a Minor in Georgia who was taken into custody on March 10, 2026, following an investigation by the Cobb County Police Department's Special Victims Unit. Smith served as a fourth-grade teacher at Rocky Mount Elementary School and as an assistant football coach at Allatoona High School. He is being held without bond at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center on one felony count of incest.
The investigation was initiated after the Special Victims Unit received information about an alleged incident involving a minor. A witness reported the alleged incident, which occurred in the early morning hours of the weekend prior to Smith's arrest. According to warrants obtained by local media, Smith is accused of sexually assaulting an underage relative. The Cobb County School District confirmed the allegations involve alleged personal, off-campus activity and are not connected to any school activities or programs. Smith has been barred from all Cobb County school campuses while the investigation and internal HR review continue. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department Special Victims Unit at 770-801-3470.
The factual information above was sourced from atlantanewsfirst.com as of July 8, 2026. The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.
When a school employee is accused of sexually assaulting a minor, families may have significant civil legal options beyond the criminal process. Legal Herald editor Paul Amess spoke with Georgia sexual abuse attorney John Bey, Esq., about the civil legal avenues that may be available in cases involving alleged sexual misconduct by someone who holds dual roles in a position of trust over children.
Paul Amess: John, when a school employee who holds dual roles — as both a teacher and a coach — is accused of sexually assaulting a minor, what civil legal options may be available?
John Bey, Esq.: Cases involving individuals who hold multiple positions of authority over children raise important civil questions. When a person is trusted by families and institutions in more than one role, and those roles are allegedly used to provide ongoing access to minors, it can broaden the scope of civil liability questions. Families affected in these situations may have grounds to consult with an experienced attorney about what civil claims may apply to their specific circumstances.
Paul Amess: In cases where the alleged conduct occurred off school grounds and is described as unconnected to school activities, does that affect the school district's potential civil liability?
John Bey, Esq.: The off-campus nature of alleged conduct does not automatically eliminate all questions of institutional responsibility. The relevant civil questions include what the institution knew about the individual, whether adequate screening and supervision were in place, and whether the school's ongoing employment of the individual contributed in any way to the alleged harm. Families should speak with an experienced attorney to understand how those factors may apply to their specific situation.
Paul Amess: What would you say to a family in Georgia affected by the alleged sexual misconduct of a school employee?
John Bey, Esq.: Please speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Time limits apply to civil claims in Georgia, and early legal guidance gives families the clearest picture of their rights and options. An initial consultation is completely confidential and free of charge — no family should have to navigate this process alone.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of sexual assault or abuse by a school employee or any person in a position of authority in Georgia, you may have the right to pursue civil action and recover financial compensation. Contact The Legal Herald today to be connected with an experienced Georgia sexual abuse attorney for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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