NOT GUILTY VERDICT
Mar 27, 2007 - Lonnie Oliver, 52, a Murphy High School science teacher, was arrested and charged with one count of sexual battery on a 15-year-old female student.
The sheriff's department became aware of the incident a few weeks after it allegedly occurred when the victim and her mother spoke to a victim's advocate.
Odd note: [Emphasis ours.]
When asked if the superintendent or school system is required to report allegations of unlawful conduct by school personnel to law enforcement, [Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Jeanette] Hedrick said that there are mandatory reporting requirements.Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Jeanette Hedrick said that, on attorney's advise, all she can say is that Oliver was suspended on March 23.
She said the principal has the duty to report the crime if he has personal knowledge that a crime has been committed on school property. However, he is not required to report the incident if it is a mere allegation, she said.
Hedrick said Cherokee County principals investigate incidents as soon as they are reported. The school system may do an internal investigation while an external investtigation is also being conducted.
June 12, 2007 - A trial date has been scheduled for mid -September.
NOT GUILTY VERDICT: Sept 25 - On Sept 19, Oliver was found not guilty by a judge after 10-15 minutes of deliberation.
Four students testified for the prosecution, excluding the alleged victim.
Sheila Snow, wife of former judge and state Sen. John Snow (D-Murphy), testified as a character witness for the defense. A fellow teacher of Oliver’s for 25 years at Murphy High, Ms. Snow said she never saw Oliver engage in behavior with female students that was unprofessional.
NOT GUILTY VERDICT
