Assault Charges Dismissed Against Williamson Schools Director

FRANKLIN, TN -- A judge dismissed both assault charges against Williamson County Schools Director Mike Looney in a Wednesday morning hearing.

Judge Tom Taylor found that neither the 17-year-old Franklin High student nor her mother were in imminent fear of a non-consensual touch, thus the accusations against Looney stemming from a February 20 incident at the school did not meet the legal standard for assault.

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Looney has denied the allegations from the beginning, a sentiment shared by Franklin High Principal Willie Dickerson, who testified Wednesday the charges were "a bunch of a bull."

In a statement issued after the incident, Franklin Police said Looney tried to force a student out of the school and into his car.

"Yesterday, Franklin Police Officers and paramedics were dispatched to Franklin High School for a reported psychological emergency. While working with the student, the student's mother, and school staff to transport the student to the hospital, Dr. Mike Looney, Williamson County Schools Superintendent, abruptly entered the conference room, grabbed the student by her arm, and forced her out of the school and to his vehicle," FPD said in a statement. "Officers intervened and had on-scene paramedics transport the student to the emergency room for evaluation."

The student's mother filed an assault charge of her own earlier this month.

Looney has been on medical leave since mid-March and plans to return to work next week.

Photo via Williamson County Schools