Former professor accused of abuse convicted on reduced charges

By JEFFREY SIMMONS/Staff

A former Bluefield College professor accused of sexually abusing a juvenile was convicted of reduced charges on Tuesday.
George Craig Flowers had originally been accused of two felonies, but those charges were amended to misdemeanors during what was supposed to be his preliminary hearing in Bland County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
The 57-year-old chemistry instructor pleaded no contest to assault and battery of a family member (two counts) and was given a fine and suspended jail time. By entering the plea, he didn’t deny or admit guilt but agreed to accept punishment.
Arrested in March, Flowers was initially charged with aggravated sexual battery, a crime that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. Commonwealth’s Attorney Clinton Kegley said after the hearing that the charges were lowered at the request of the victim.
Police wouldn’t elaborate on the accusations, but court records show they involved the same underage female and happened in 2000 when Flowers, who now resides in Bluefield, was living in the county.
While he won’t spend time in jail, Flowers was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and court costs and will be on probation for two years.
A Bluefield College spokesperson said Tuesday that Flowers no longer works at the school and hasn’t since shortly after his arrest.
Before being charged, Flowers had taught at the Christian liberal arts college since 1991. He was faculty president in 2005-2006.
Jeffrey Simmons can be reached at 1-800-655-1406 or .