A former principal of a private school in Holmes County has been arrested on charges related to inappropriate relations with a student. The incident took place in Washington County, and the accused is facing sex charges.
Law enforcement officials were alerted on May 30 about a case of suspected sexual misconduct between a juvenile and Aaron Michael McFatter, a 28-year-old resident of Chipley, based on information provided by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and county court filings.
During the 2023-24 school year, McFatter held the position of principal at Grace Fellowship Christian Academy (GFCA), a private Christian school in Bonifay. He also served as the youth pastor of Grace Fellowship Christian Church.
According to court documents, there were allegations of “inappropriate texting and Snapchatting” between McFatter and a 16- to 17-year-old female student at GFCA. In an investigative interview, the student stated that sexual contact occurred between her and McFatter on April 23, and that the two had been communicating since December of 2023.
After discovering the evidence, law enforcement officials apprehended McFatter and placed him in custody at the Washington County Jail for the offense of Sexual Assault by a Person 24 Years of Age or Older – Committing Sexual Battery on a Victim Between 16 or 17 Years of Age.
After the Washington County Sheriff’s Office released information about the incident, News4 contacted Grace Fellowship Christian Academy to learn more. The current principal, Ryan George, responded and confirmed that McFatter is no longer employed at GFCA. In fact, McFatter had resigned from the school on May 1st.
According to George’s statement to News4, he mentioned that they are unable to provide additional comments regarding the alleged actions committed by McFatter due to an ongoing criminal investigation. However, the school did release an official statement, which is as follows:
Grace Fellowship Christian Academy (GFCA) is aware of the arrest of former employee Aaron McFatter.We consider the safety of our staff and students of utmost importance.GFCA is registered with the Volunteer & Employee Criminal History System (VECHS) at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to obtain the required criminal background screenings for employees and contracted personnel.All school employees are considered mandatory reporters for abuse, assault, neglect, drug and alcohol incidents, etc. We report allegations immediately to the appropriate authorities any time we are made aware of them.Any further questions about this investigation should be directed to the Washington County Sheriff’s department.
After posting a $50,000 bond, McFatter was released from custody. However, as part of his release conditions, he has been ordered to avoid any contact with the victim, GFCA, or any other minors involved in the case.