LAFAYETTE, GA – Walker County Schools is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being
of all students, staff, and visitors on our campuses. We are grateful for the diligence of our
employees and the swift response of law enforcement following an incident at North LaFayette
Elementary School earlier this week. The City of LaFayette Police Department provided the
following statement regarding the investigation:
“On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, a Walker County Schools employee located a plastic baggie on
the floor just inside the main entryway of North LaFayette Elementary School. The bag
contained a suspicious substance and it was immediately turned over to the School Resource
Officer. Field testing revealed that the substance tested positive for Methamphetamine and the
item was secured as evidence.
Our SRO began an investigation in conjunction with the Walker County Schools Facilities and
Operations Department. Facilities and Operations personnel and officers began reviewing the
school’s security camera footage. It was at this time the offender was observed accidentally
dropping the baggie out of his front pocket as he attempted to retrieve his cell phone. Officers
were able to identify the vehicle the offender exited, which in turn led to identifying the offender
who was on campus dropping off his girlfriend’s child. The offender was identified as Connor
Shelton McCulley of Chattanooga, TN. Warrants for Possession of Methamphetamine,
Possession of Controlled Substance on a School Campus, and Reckless Conduct were
obtained through the Walker County Magistrate’s Office. The warrants were subsequently
turned over to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (Tennessee) for service.
On March 13, 2025, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the subject was apprehended by officers of the
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the offender is currently awaiting extradition. Follow-up
investigations will be completed by the LMJC Drug Task Force and a DFACS referral was
made.”
Walker County Schools would like to commend the employee who reported the discovery, our
School Resource Officer, and our law enforcement partners for their swift and professional
response. We take matters of school safety very seriously and remain committed to maintaining
a secure learning environment for all students.
We also want to thank our community for their patience and support as this situation developed.
We understand that incidents like this can be concerning, and we appreciate the trust and
confidence placed in our schools and local law enforcement as we work together to keep our
campuses safe.
The district will continue to work closely with local law enforcement to support the ongoing
investigation and will take any necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of our schools.
For further information, please contact:
Damon Raines
Superintendent
Walker County Schools
