Sentenced (sorta.)
CONVICTED: August 11, 2007 - Harold Wright Jr., 36, a Tacoma middle school principal, was convicted July 10th, along with another man, of third-degree rape in the sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman. The victim, now 23, attended Spanaway Lake High School while Wright worked there as an assistant principal before he joined Tacoma’s staff in 2000.
The judge rejected his request for a new trial last week. This week, his attorney is alleging juror misconduct.
PAID LEAVE: Wright was paid $48,000 while on administrative leave since February.
That’s because Wright had a contract with the district, which the law considers a property right that can’t be taken away until he receives notice of possible discharge, gets the chance to present his side and the district follows other procedures, Albrecht said.In his resignation letter, he maintained his innocence and added this. “Please convey to the students, parents and staff of the Baker community that I care for them, and I will continue to do whatever I can to seek justice.
The district also filed a separate complaint against Wright with the state Office of Professional Practices, which could result in revocation of his teaching and administrative credentials.
While state law calls for immediate revocation of a teaching certificate for certain crimes involving children, there’s no automatic revocation for other crimes involving adults.
Both men are black while the victim is white, a fact that the defense attorney took advantage of without success. Jurors said they believed Wright acted as an accomplice. Wright is married and is the father of three children.
Sentencing is August 31.
Aug 31 - A judge sentenced Harold Wright Jr. to six months in jail, then immediately stayed the sentence, which allows Wright to remain free while he appeals.
Albrecht said the district won't be able to get back the $48,068 it paid Wright while he was on administrative leave from Feb. 9 because of his contract. 'The district has filed a complaint against Wright with the state Office of Professional Practices, which may result in revoking his teaching and administrative credentials.
While state law calls for immediate revocation of a teaching certificate for certain crimes involving children, revocation is not automatic for crimes involving adults.
