Round Three: Swafford's lawyer: Girl told to 'tell right story'

MANATEE COUNTY -- A day after school officials cleared a teacher of harassment allegations brought by a 16-year-old girl, her vigilante father escalated a war of words and promised a lawsuit.

Swafford and the school district held dueling news conferences Friday, each adding more fuel to a story that just won't go away.

Swafford's attorney said the school district is trying to cover up allegations of inappropriate behavior against the teacher's assistant, Deon W. Mathis.

"There was a lot of misinformation provided by the superintendent," said Ron Kurpiers, a St. Petersburg attorney representing Swafford, 42. "Frankly, we're appalled."

Kurpiers blasted the school district for its quick investigation and claimed sexual comments and harassment are common in Mathis' classroom.

Both sides are digging their heels in, nobody is backing down.