Charges dismissed, but Southern Wayne teacher remains suspended

Wayne County District Attorney Matthew Delbridge dismissed charges filed against a Southern Wayne High School science teacher in the aftermath of an incident that unfolded during a school basketball game Feb. 16 — determining that “school administrative authority is best situated to fashion a timely and equitable response to the actions of this employee while on school property.”

But Wayne County Public Schools officials said Anthony Williams — who was charged in connection with possession of a pocketknife on school grounds and resisting arrest — remains on paid administrative leave and declined to comment on whether the teacher and coach would be reinstated by the district now that those charges have been dropped.

“As this is a personnel matter, I would not be privy to that information,” said Ken Derksen, WCPS Executive Director for Community Engagement and Student & Family Support. “I can, however, confirm employment status. If his status changes, I can let you know.”

Williams’ attorney, Habekah Cannon, has claimed that her client was unlawfully and unnecessarily assaulted by School Resource Officer and Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Albert Woods.

“On Wednesday, February 16, 2022, Deputy Albert Woods assaulted science teacher and softball coach Anthony Williams during a school basketball game. The deputy believed Mr. Williams was a student in possession of a pocketknife and asked him to hand it over or take it to his car. When Mr. Williams tried to put it away, he informed the deputy that the tool was in his possession because it was used during a science lab. … Instead of the deputy asking Mr. Williams for his teaching credentials, the deputy assaulted Mr. Williams,” she said.

Williams was not, according to Cannon, charged with a crime that night. In fact, he was released after students and other Southern Wayne community members informed the deputy that Williams was, in fact, a staff member.

According to Cannon, charges were not filed until after the teacher told Central Office staff “he was assaulted by Deputy Woods.”

In the aftermath of the incident, more than 150 Southern Wayne students staged a walkout on campus Feb. 24. The following week, a demonstration was held outside the WCPS Central Office on Royall Avenue.

A video of the altercation between Woods and Williams can be seen by clicking here.