Former Forest Park teacher accused of ‘inappropriate contact'

By Larry Hartstein

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A former Forest Park High School physical education teacher was charged with simple battery Wednesday for what police described as "inappropriate contact" with a 16-year-old female student.

Lawrence McGraw, 34, of Decatur, was charged in a hearing at Clayton County Magistrate Court and taken to the county jail. He is scheduled to appear in court again at 1 p.m. Thursday, when bond will be set.

On Oct. 8, police said, McGraw and the student were in the school gym when the incident occurred. The girl's parents notified police the next day.

Defense attorney Keith Adams said McGraw will plead not guilty. Adams said McGraw and the student were joking around when the incident occurred. Adams said she used a curse word and McGraw grabbed her arm, prompting the girl to back away and fall.

"She didn't make any complaints to any teachers about being assaulted," Adams said.

The girl gave a different version, according to Adams. "She says he made a comment like ‘Give me a hug' and pulled her belt, then she backed away and fell." McGraw adamantly denies that, Adams added.

Clayton County schools spokesman Charles White said McGraw, who had taught in the system six years, resigned rather than face termination proceedings.

"The district performed due diligence and we conducted an investigation," White said. "He chose to resign rather than be subject to the separation process."

Adams said McGraw's wife is seriously ill and he quit because he planned to leave the school district anyway.

"He had the option of resigning or fighting it," Adams said. "With everything else going on, he decided to resign."

Adams conceded McGraw did not use good judgment.

"You don't put your hands anywhere on a student, joking or otherwise," Adams said. "But we'll be fighting this. Our position is the man did not commit a crime."