RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WTOC) – For the first time, internal school records, emails and investigative documents obtained by WTOC reveal how Bryan County Schools handled the allegations against former Richmond Hill Middle School teacher Rory Mooney — including why he remained in the classroom for nearly two weeks after the school learned of the allegations against him. Mooney was arrested in June 2026 and faces felony charges of child molestation and making a false statement. He was denied bond at his arraignment, turned down a plea deal and entered a not guilty plea. On the night of Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, a sixth grade student told his mother he had witnessed Mooney pleasuring himself behind his desk during class. The mother called police. Richmond Hill Police responded and referred the case to the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office. Three days later, on Monday, Oct. 20, the school resource officer informed Principal Jonathan Lea. Records show the school moved immediately. Administrators met with the student and his family, interviewed Mooney, filed a report with the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services and launched an internal investigation, all on the same day. Records also show Mooney was a seasoned educator with more than two decades of teaching experience and credentials from countries including Kenya, Malaysia, Singapore and Abu Dhabi before coming to Bryan County Schools. Renee Harden, a Richmond Hill mother whose son regularly interacted with Mooney, says she was…
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