UGA instructor fired, flees country following ‘predatory texting’ allegations

UGA fired instructor; under criminal investigation

A University of Georgia instructor is under criminal investigation and has fled the country after being confronted mid-class by the social media group "Street Sweepers Unit" over inappropriate text messages.

ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, Ga. - A University of Georgia instructor has been fired and has fled the country after being approached by social media creators over alleged "inappropriate predatory texting with a minor," the university said Friday.

What we know:

The university stated the instructor fled the country on Tuesday. This occurred the same day a video went viral showing an on-campus confrontation and the start of an investigation.

"Even so, the UGA Police Department remains fully committed to investigating this case, and we are moving forward with a criminal investigation," the university said in a statement. "On Wednesday, UGA Police executed a search warrant at the individual’s Athens residence and recovered additional evidence."

FOX 5 is not naming the instructor because neither the university nor police have released his identity or charged him with a crime.

What we don't know:

The university didn't say where the professor fled to on Tuesday. 

FOX 5 is choosing not to release the instructor's name or the type of courses they taught. 

What they're saying:

The instructor, who appeared visibly distressed, repeatedly said he had made a mistake. "I should have cut the conversation much earlier than that," the instructor said. "I was very confused by this situation. I got carried on by the conversation, and it was a mistake."

Angelus Pereira heads the online group Street Sweeperz Unit. They target people they believe may be preying sexually on minors.

"He had come across one of our decoy accounts," Pereira said. "We were just appalled."

Pereira said his group approached the instructor at his class because that was the only place they could find him. "We're not happy about having to go to his classroom, but at the same time, you mean, with everything that's slowly being revealed, we're happy that it happened, and we're (glad) that he's gone," Pereira said.

A man who knew the instructor wanted to remain anonymous. He could not believe what we told him. "It’s incredibly surprising. It’s unfortunate. It’s horrible if it’s happening in our community."

A student we spoke with was appalled. "It’s pretty disturbing," said Greyson Brooks. "It’s definitely not a good look for an instructor on campus."

"We just want kids to be safer. We want people to be safe," Pereira said.

The backstory:

Earlier this week, the university said it became aware of the "deeply troubling" allegations and that the UGA Police Department was working with the influencers and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to investigate the matter.

What you can do:

UGA is asking anyone with information regarding these allegations to contact UGA Police at 706-542-2200. Concerns can also be shared via the CyberTipline, a national reporting mechanism for cases of child sexual exploitation. The university is also reminding students and staff that counseling is available for anyone affected by the incident.