Former Marion teacher files civil suit

The Marion teacher accused of choking a child last year is taking legal action and filed a civil suit. This summer a jury found the former teacher Mike Richardson not guilty. Now Richardson is suing the student, his parents, the city and the Marion Police Department.

By: Kelly Gillespie | SCNOW
Published: September 21, 2008

Legal documents, court dates, and now a civil suit are all things Mike Richardson said he never imagined when he became a teacher.
"Now I'm forever slandered whether it's on my criminal record or not," said Mike Richardson, former Marion teacher.
The former Johnakin Middle School teacher was accused of choking a student.
This summer a jury however, found him not guilty.
"It was more than a year ago and I've had to fight all the way. I had to fight just go to go court and now I'm still fighting," Richardson said.
He said it's no longer a legal fight for himself, it's to protect others.
"What about the next guy? What about all those teachers out there and all they have are their careers and they went to college just to teach," Richardson said.
Richardson filed a civil suit against the student, his parents, the city, along with the Marion Police Department.
"From the beginning as I told the captain that I never should have been charged from the beginning. I told him there was no standing evidence," Richardson said.
The Marion Police Department said they felt through their investigation they had a strong case and followed proper procedures, and they of course will follow proper procedures regarding the pending civil suit.
It's a suit the former teacher said unfortunately won't bring back his career, or his reputation.
Richardson said the suit was officially filed on September 2nd.
The city has 30 days to respond.
Marion Mayor Bobby Gerald told News13 that at this time he does not want to comment because legal actions are pending.
Count on News13 to continue to follow this story.

Former Marion teacher files civil suit

Share This:

More from this channel:

Reader Comments

Deal of the Day

Weather

Latest News Video

Things to Do

Links We Like