HUEYTOWN, Ala. (AP) — A judge has acquitted an Alabama high school principal who had been accused of obstructing an investigation into allegations that a teacher was sexually involved with a student.
Al.com reports Jefferson County Judge David Carpenter on Monday granted a defense motion for judgment of acquittal for 49-year-old Joseph Garner. The Hueytown High School principal was accused in May 2017 of failing to report the alleged inappropriate behavior.
Jefferson County Superintendent Craig Pouncey said the allegations against the teacher were investigated in 2016 and not substantiated by school officials.
Garner's attorney John Robbins says he and his client are thankful the principal can continue his work at the school without the "burden and stress of this case." Garner had remained in his principal role after the 2017 arrest.
