District: Educator is innocent

Yesterday: Man punches teacher because his daughter says the teacher was abusing her. Today: Turns out the little girl was lying. What's that hitting the fan?

MANATEE - In a case that has garnered national attention, Manatee County school officials said Thursday they "are convinced" that a Lakewood Ranch High School teacher's assistant who was punched by a student's father is innocent of allegations made by the girl.

Superintendent Roger Dearing said teacher's assistant Deondrick W. Mathis, who has been on paid administrative leave since Tuesday when he was attacked while teaching a class, will return to work on Monday.

"We have found that Mr. Mathis is not guilty of what this young lady has accused him of doing, that her accusations are false," Dearing said. "The timelines don't match up and the other students in the class don't corroborate her story. He will be back to work on Monday."

Dearing said the school district plans to start disciplinary proceedings against the girl and at least two of her friends who allegedly fabricated stories to back up her account. Penalties imposed by the school district could include a suspension or expulsion.

In addition, Dearing said the school district will pull out all stops to see that Dave Swafford, the girl's father, will be prosecuted and punished for punching Mathis.

Today's Life Lesson- When it comes to your kids "Trust but Verify"-R.R.