Williamson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney was in court Wednesday morning on two assault charges. After hearing statements from a local principal, a Franklin PD sergeant and others, a judge dismissed all changes against Dr. Looney, reports WSMV.
WSMV reporter Briona Arrandondo reported from the court room that Franklin High School Principal Willie Dickerson took the stand and said she didn’t see Looney touch the girl inappropriately but that she saw Looney with the girl’s backpack on his shoulder and the girl was following Looney out of the room.
Her report continues to say that the student’s mother says her daughter has suicidal tendencies and needed help that day. She was there with her daughter to talk safety plans when the alleged incident occurred.
Arrandondo also reports that Franklin PD Sgt. Robert Kupczyk said he saw Looney grab the girl by her arm in a room and that Looney whispered to the girl “you’re not going to cause a scene at my school.”
Origination of Assault Charges
The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred at Franklin High School on Feb 20 in which a female student was having a “psychological emergency,” states a Franklin Police Department press release.
“While working with the student, the student’s mother, and school staff to transport the student to the hospital, Dr. Looney abruptly entered the conference room, grabbed the student by her arm, and forced her out of the school and to his vehicle. Officers intervened and had on-scene paramedics transport the student to the emergency room for evaluation,” states the FPD release.
After the incident, Dr. Looney, one assault charge was issued, alleging assault against the student and then after sworn testimony was given, the magistrate issued a second assault charge, this time the student’s mother was named as the victim.
