Former coach of State Champion Thomasville Bulldogs charged with assault: They’re not messing around with Brown!

from www.tvilletimes.com:

Liberty Drive Elementary School Principal Benjie Brown has been charged with assault and battery by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department.

Brown, 39, of 602 Long St. in Thomasville, is charged with allegedly assaulting Kevin Luke Starrett, of 610 Goodman St. in High Point, on Jan. 2, 2010.

Starrett is a physical education teacher at Thomasville Middle School.

According to a Randolph County arrest warrant, Brown “unlawfully and willfully did assault and strike Starrett by striking him in the head several times with a closed fist.”

Thomasville City Schools Superintendent Keith Tobin said the incident in question occurred over the holiday break and did not take place on school grounds, therefore it is being handled as a personnel matter.

“I’m investigating the situation and after a full investigation, a decision will be made on how to proceed,” Tobin said. “I’ve discussed this situation with the school attorney and the school board and at this point it’s being considered a personnel matter. Personnel issues are confidential“

Tobin says once the case has been tried, he again will review the incident with the school attorney and school board.

“I promise there will be no favoritism,” Tobin said. “I will be fair and consistent across the board and will handle it in the proper way.”

Starrett filed the complaint on Brown on Jan. 2 in Randolph County. A warrant was issued and then sent to Thomasville Police Department to be served. Brown turned himself into TPD the same day.

Starrett declined comment when reached by phone Monday afternoon, referring all questions to his attorney, James Williams of Archdale. Attempts to contact Brown were unsuccessful as of press time Monday night.

Brown came to Liberty Drive three years ago as assistant principal after leading the Thomasville High School Bulldogs to three consecutive state football championships. He took over as principal before the start of the 2009-10 school year.

Starrett has worked as a physical education teacher at TMS for two years, according to Tobin. He also is the wide receiver coach for the TMS Bullpups and head coach of the TMS basketball team.

No court date was listed on the arrest warrant.