Elementary School Vice Principal Accused of Injuring Third Grader

(Anton Prado Photo/Shutterstock)

A school administrator in Georgia is facing criminal charges after he allegedly dragged a student by his feet across his office floor.

Matthew Michael Johnson, 31, was held briefly in custody at Polk County Jail on charges of felony cruelty to children in the second degree, misdemeanor charges of reckless conduct, battery, and simple battery, according to the Polk County Standard Journal.

Johnson, the Vice Principal for Youngs Grove Elementary School, turned himself in on the charges Wednesday, Nov. 29 and was later released on an $8000 bail.

According to Coosa Valley News, Johnson was placed on administrative leave after the incident.

The physical altercation took place back on Nov. 16. It involved a third grader who was sent to the principal’s office for pushing another child.

When the student was in Johnson’s office he reportedly refused to obey Johnson’s instructions, as he laid down on the ground.

That’s when Johnson allegedly dragged the student by the feet across the floor—resulting in burn injuries on the boy’s back, according to a Polk County police report.

“These burns were caused by the carpet that the student was alleged to have been dragged across by the assistant principal,” the report stated.

Matthew Michael Johnson/ (Polk County Jail)

After the incident the Department of Family and Children’s Services became involved, entrusting the case to the police department.

Laurie Atkins, the superintendent, said they were aware of the issue and told the newspaper that Johnson was suspended with pay, but could not give any further comments, citing the personal nature of the issue.

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