Cobb Teacher, Coach Arrested In Sexual Abuse Case

ACWORTH, GA — A teacher and coach has been arrested in connection with sexual offenses of a minor, Cobb County Police said Wednesday.

Officers arrested Mareno Smith, 37, of Acworth. Police said Smith worked as an elementary school teacher for the Cobb County School District and was a high-school coach.

"Allegations of serious crimes involving someone in that role represent a serious concern given the trust families place in those roles, and the Cobb County Police Department takes them very seriously," police said in a news release.

Police did not say what led to the charges filed against Smith, but added the investigation into Smith was conducted by CCPD's Special Victims Unit.

Detectives are working with school officials on the matter, police said.

“Over the weekend, the district became aware of the arrest of an employee and these disturbing allegations. We are aware of the alleged personal, off-campus activity and have confirmed it is not connected to any school activities or programs. As the police investigation and legal process unfolds, all applicable law and district policy will be applied," Cobb County Schools said Friday.