Covington Principal Arrested on Charges of Embezzlement and Misconduct
COVINGTON, GA — A local principal has been arrested following an investigation into financial irregularities and alleged misconduct at Covington High School. Dr. Robert Langford, 48, was taken into custody Tuesday morning by the Covington Police Department after a joint inquiry by the district attorney's office and the school board. Authorities allege Langford embezzled over $150,000 in school funds intended for student programs and extracurricular activities. He also faces charges of falsifying records and engaging in inappropriate conduct with a staff member. The arrest stems from a whistleblower complaint filed by a former employee in March 2024, which triggered a six-month forensic audit. Superintendent Linda Torres stated that the district has placed Langford on immediate administrative leave without pay pending the legal proceedings. Langford is currently held at the local county detention center on a $500,000 bond. His arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, when additional details of the allegations are expected to emerge.