Screven Co. mother arrested for son's unexcused absences

SCREVEN CO., GA (WTOC) - Parents are sounding off in droves after a Screven County mother—who is also a substitute teacher—has been arrested for her son's unexcused absences.

WTOC's Don Logana was tagged via Facebook to Julie Giles posts, saying that an arrest warrant was issued for her, after her son originally had 12 unexcused absences. Six of those are allowed per year, but she also says a doctor reissued three excuses that her son failed to turn in.

Julie Giles says she was basically arrested for her son having three unexcused absences. She turned herself in Thursday night.

Screven County Schools Superintendent, William Bland, says this is not unusual, that they are following the law, and that "several" parents have already been convicted in these situations this school year, after not being able to work out a solution with school officials.

"It's important for these children to be in school and I think the courts recognize that," said Bland.

Giles has since been released and is awaiting her court date.

Copyright 2015 WTOC. All rights reserved.