GBI: Wilkinson County Middle School teacher charged with assault after scissors incident with student

The GBI says a Wilkinson County Middle School teacher held scissors to a student’s throat. The district says the incident was immediately reported and investigated.

May 14, 2025

Tucker Sargent,

Mughsot Jamel Mikal Ashley Age 46 — Jamel Ashley (Photo: Wilkinson County Sheriff's Office)

IRWINTON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A middle school teacher in Wilkinson County is facing charges after investigators say he held scissors to a student’s throat in a classroom.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) announced Wednesday that agents arrested 46-year-old Jamel Mikal Ashley of Danville and charged him with aggravated assault and cruelty to children.

According to a GBI news release, the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office asked for assistance on May 12 to investigate allegations of aggravated assault involving a Wilkinson County Middle School teacher and a student.

The GBI said the investigation confirmed Ashley, while employed at Wilkinson County Middle School in Irwinton, approached a student in the classroom and held a pair of scissors to the student’s throat.

Ashley was booked into the Wilkinson County Jail. He’s facing twelve counts of felony cruelty to children and one count of aggravated assault.

The GBI said the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Wilkinson County School District releases statement

The school district made the following statement on Facebook Wednesday night:

“Wilkinson County Schools is aware of recent media coverage involving a staff member at Wilkinson County Middle School. We understand the concern this has caused among our families and community. The incident in question was immediately reported and investigated by both district administration and law enforcement. While we are unable to share further details at this time, the matter is now in the hands of law enforcement. The safety, dignity, and well-being of our students remain our highest priorities. We ask for the community’s understanding as we respect the legal process and remain committed to providing a safe, respectful learning environment for all students.”