White County Man, Teacher at Lanier Christian Academy Charged with Filming Students, Additional Charges Filed

WHITE COUNTY/HALL COUNTY, Ga. — A Hall County school coach and teacher at Lanier Christian Academy, who is from White County, is facing an additional felony charge as investigators continue to expand a case involving allegations of secretly recording students.

Authorities say Joel Ernest Lulinski, 52, of White County, has been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor following a forensic review of his phone. Investigators say the charge is related to a child sexual abuse image found on the device. Officials noted the image is not believed to involve a student from the school and is not directly tied to the original allegations.

Lulinski, who served as both a coach and teacher at Lanier Christian Academy, was previously charged with 27 felony counts of using a device to secretly record under or through students’ clothing. Authorities say those charges involve 27 victims, all girls under the age of 16.

The investigation began on April 2, when a student reported suspicious behavior to school administrators. Law enforcement was contacted the same day, prompting an investigation. Over the following days, investigators allege Lulinski used his phone multiple times to record students during routine school activities.

He was arrested April 16 after being interviewed by authorities.

Lulinski remains in the Hall County Jail as the case continues to develop. Officials say additional electronic devices are still being analyzed, and further charges are possible. A court hearing is scheduled for May 6.

School officials said he was placed on leave immediately after the report and later terminated following his arrest. Counseling services have been made available to students, and the district says it is reviewing safety procedures.

Authorities say the investigation remains active and ongoing.