A Dalton State College professor has been charged with child molestation by the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office and is currently on leave from teaching.

Monte Gale Salyer, 58, of 3010 Marran Drive, Rocky Face, was arrested Jan. 27 on one count of child molestation. He is an associate professor of English and English as a Second Language. He is currently out on bond.

Captain Rick Swiney said “it’s still a very active investigation” and the sheriff’s office will release its findings next week “when the investigation is closer to being completed.”

DSC President John Schwenn said in a statement Salyer was placed on leave “in accordance with Board of Regents policy of the University System of Georgia.” His classes are being covered by DSC faculty members, Schwenn said

“As this is an ongoing personnel matter, the college will have no additional comment,” Schwenn said.

Salyer has a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in English from Andrews University in Michigan, according to his DSC faculty webpage. He has a doctorate in English and applied linguistics from Michigan State University.

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