Brenda Inabinette Files Lawsuit Against School District and Sheriff’s Department

News Summary

Brenda Inabinette, a former teacher from Lexington, South Carolina, has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Lexington School District One and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department following a controversial assault charge that was later dismissed. After being acquitted of third-degree assault and battery, Inabinette claims her arrest was a case of malicious prosecution and raises concerns about negligence and improper procedures by the school district and law enforcement. The lawsuit highlights serious issues in handling sensitive incidents in educational settings.

Brenda Inabinette Takes Legal Action Following Assault Charges

Inabinette, a former teacher from Lexington, South Carolina, has taken a significant legal step by filing a federal civil rights lawsuit against both the Lexington School District One and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. This move was announced by Inabinette and her attorney, Tyler Bailey, during a recent press conference held at the Bailey Law Firm.

A Troubling Incident

The story begins in August 2022, when Inabinette was charged with third-degree assault and battery after a concerning incident involving one of her students. The allegations were quite serious, as she was accused of grabbing the student’s ID lanyard around their neck and allegedly making a statement that could easily be interpreted as threatening. These troubling accusations quickly escalated, leading to her arrest and suspension from her teaching duties.

Innocence and Acquittal

Despite the public scrutiny and institutional pressure, Inabinette maintained her innocence throughout the legal process. After enduring an intense courtroom battle, a jury took just 20 minutes to deliberate before acquitting her on June 28, 2023. Following her acquittal, she was reinstated as a teacher but assigned to a different school within the district.

The Legal Dispute Unfolds

Now, Inabinette is seeking justice through her lawsuit, claiming that her arrest was based on false pretenses and calling it an instance of malicious prosecution. In her complaint, she pointed out the glaring absence of witnesses, as no teachers, administrators, or school resource officers were present during the alleged incident. This raises questions about the credibility of the claims against her.

Editorialized Statements and Media Scrutiny

Adding to the complexity of her case, a school administrator reportedly prepared a statement from the student in question that was described as “highly editorialized.” This statement not only contributed to the negative media coverage but also appears to play a central role in this ongoing legal saga.

Concerns About Proper Procedures

Inabinette argues that a written statement she provided was used by the school resource officer to obtain her arrest warrant. The accusation is that the officer, Shelley Collins, failed to validate the information and simply accepted the student’s claims as fact. This lack of due diligence on the part of the law enforcement could be seen as a serious oversight, raising concerns about the procedures followed in obtaining the warrant.

Allegations Against the Sheriff’s Department

The lawsuit also criticizes the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, suggesting that there was a failure to control officer Collins’ actions, which allegedly created an unreasonable risk of harm. Such claims highlight the pressing need for proper protocols to be in place regarding the handling of sensitive incidents in schools.

Negligence Within the School District

Additionally, Inabinette’s lawsuit points to what she claims is gross negligence on the part of the Lexington School District concerning the training and supervision of its staff members. This assertion raises pertinent questions about the district’s internal policies and how they might contribute to the welfare of both educators and students.

A Silence in the Face of Litigation

As of now, neither the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department nor the Lexington School District has commented on the ongoing legal proceedings. The school district has cited a policy that prevents them from discussing such matters publicly. Thus, the situation remains in a legal limbo while Inabinette pursues her quest for justice through the courts.

The outcome of this case could potentially have far-reaching implications, not only for Inabinette but also for how schools and law enforcement interact in the future. As we await further developments, the community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that brings clarity and fairness to all parties involved.

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HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• WIS TV
• WACH
• ABC Columbia
• SC Daily Gazette
• The State
• Wikipedia: Assault

Author: HERE Lexington