School official arrestedBY BRIAN K. FINNICUM, EDITORMonday, May 25, 2009 1:53 PM CDT The first charges resulting from an investigation of the now-closed Darrington Academy in Blue Ridge have been filed by Fannin County sheriff’s investigators.
Richard Legrand Darrington, 36, of Blue Ridge, the former headmaster of the school, has been charged with aggravated battery, a felony, and simple battery, a misdemeanor.
Warrants taken by Investigator Diane Davis allege that Darrington caused bodily harm to a 17-year-old student “by slamming him on the floor causing a tooth to fall out,” and that he pushed a 16-year-old juvenile student into a wall at the school.
Activities at the school have been under investigation since approximately mid February.
As part of that investigation, a search warrant was served on the school Feb. 13 where video surveillance cameras, computers and numerous files were confiscated.
The school closed its doors Feb. 27. At the time, Darrington said the closure was due to declining enrollment.
During the course of the investigation, Davis said over 90 former students and staff members have been interviewed. That investigation is still in progress and more charges are anticipated, she said.
Darrington was arrested on the charges May 21 and released the same day on a $6,000 bond.
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