Residents React To Director Of Schools’ Arrest
This video is no longer available.
Hardin County residents are reacting after their own director of schools was indicted Monday for carrying a gun on a school campus. John Thomas is accused of carrying a gun at Hardin County Middle School November 14 of last year, but he never got in trouble for it, even though it is against the law. It took months of work from one very concerned resident for this all to take place, but many of his neighbors 7 Eyewitness News spoke with said they are glad justice has been served, but they wish it did not take four months for it to happen. “I would have preferred that the officials in Hardin County had addressed this thing in a more timely manner back when it occurred, but in their failure, someone had to step forward,” said Savannah resident Jerry Fowler, who took the case to the grand jury. According to Fowler, no police report was filed after the November 14 incident, and District Attorney Hansel McCadams only responded with a letter, saying he would not prosecute. “And [Thomas] not only put my grandson in jeopardy that day, but all the other children, as well as staff and faculty,” Fowler said. “That’s the reason Tennessee law says no firearms in a school.” Many residents told 7 Eyewitness News off-camera they agree with the grand jury, since carrying a gun onto a school campus is against the law, and a person with power should not be an exception. “This should be a good example to the people of Hardin County, as well as the state of Tennessee, that no one should be above the law,” Fowler said. Others said the rules are the rules, but Thomas’ punishment was still harsh. “I think it was just an oversight, that he probably meant to remove it, but just didn’t,” said Savannah resident Gail Boggan. Thomas was not in the office Tuesday and available for comment. The school board chairman refused to say if Thomas will be disciplined, but said the issue will be discussed by the full board, but did not say when. Thomas is free on his own recognizance as he awaits his first court appearance.
