COLUMBUS, Ga. — Muscogee County School District Police arrested Kendrick High School teacher Orithius Jaques Hardge, 46, on March 26, 2026, following an extensive investigation into multiple theft-related offenses.
Hardge, who teaches graphic arts and communication and serves as the magnet co-coordinator and Skills USA sponsor, faces a total of 65 charges, including theft by deception and criminal attempt to commit a misdemeanor (theft by deception).
Authorities report that the theft by deception incidents occurred on September 28, 2022; May 1, 2023; September 1, 2023; October 1, 2024; April 10, 2025; May 9, 2025; and October 8, 2025. Additional charges for criminal attempt to commit a misdemeanor were filed for offenses on May 5, 2023; September 15, 2023; October 18, 2024; February 25, 2025; and October 8, 2025.
Hardge is currently in custody as the Muscogee County School District Police continue their investigation.
