Schools

Smyrna SRO Arrested, Fired, Rebuked After Allegedly Assaulting Handcuffed Teen

A 15-year veteran SRO with the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office was fired and arrested for allegedly assaulting a handcuffed student.

SMYRNA, TN — After allegedly assaulting a handcuffed student at Smyrna West Alternative School, a 15-year-veteran of the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office was arrested, fired and strongly rebuked in no uncertain terms by the sheriff.

Jimmy Sanford, 53, was arrested Monday following an arrest he made at the school during which he assaulted the handcuffed 16-year-old. He was charged with assault, perjury and filing a false report and fired from his position as a school resource officer.

(For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Middle Tennessee Patch morning newsletter.)

Find out what's happening in La Vergne-Smyrnafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“We’re not going to accept lawlessness on the part of our law enforcement or detention officers,” Sheriff Michael Fitzhugh said. “It is unacceptable.”

An investigation is ongoing.

Find out what's happening in La Vergne-Smyrnafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Image via Rutherford County Sheriff's Office

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from La Vergne-Smyrna