By: Richard L. Smith
The pending Simple Assault charge against Frank Sanchez, the principal of Columbia High School in the South Orange-Maplewood School District, will be referred to Maplewood Municipal Court.
This development follows a county grand jury's decision in mid-May to decline an indictment on more severe charges.
Sanchez was accused of assaulting a student inside the school.
Specifically, he faced a charge of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. However, the Essex County Grand Jury decided not to indict Sanchez on this charge.
Despite this, he still faces a Simple Assault charge, a disorderly person offense punishable by up to six months in county jail.
The charge against Sanchez is merely an accusation, and he is presumed innocent at this time.
The incident dates back to March of last year when a tenth-grade female student, who is Black, was allegedly assaulted by Sanchez.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, led by Theodore N. Stephens II, issued a warrant for Sanchez’s arrest on Friday, March 8th.
Following the incident, the South Orange-Maplewood Acting Superintendent Kevin Gilbert informed the community on January 2nd of this year that Sanchez had been put on administrative leave, with Assistant Superintendent Ann Bodnar temporarily replacing him.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Sanchez was recently seen on stage at graduation, passing out diplomas to seniors.
The next steps will involve Maplewood Municipal Court addressing the Simple Assault charge on a date yet to be scheduled.
