School administrator accused of injuring third-grader

Matthew Michael Johnson

Matthew Michael Johnson

An elementary school vice principal is facing criminal charges after he dragged a student by his feet across his office floor, police said.

Matthew Michael Johnson, 31, who works at Youngs Grove Elementary in Cedartown, is charged with second-degree cruelty to children and misdemeanor reckless conduct, battery and simple battery, according to a Polk County police report.

He has been placed on administrative leave, the Polk County Standard Journal reported.

In the Nov. 16 incident, the third-grader was in the principal’s office for pushing another child, according to Polk County Police Chief Kenny Dodd.

After the student refused to follow the principal's instructions and lie on the floor, Johnson allegedly dragged him, causing burns to the student’s back.

Johnson surrendered on the charges and was released on $8,000 bond, the newspaper reported.

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