CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Students at Mallard Creek High School told Channel 9 Jonathan Neal was not in class Wednesday, the same day he was released from jail on a $25,000 bond after being charged with second-degree rape. Police said he raped a 14-year-old girl on campus last Thursday.
Channel 9 obtained a court document detailing the conditions of Neal's release on bond. It said that he's required to wear an ankle monitor, and show that a judge signed off on allowing him to attend school.
However, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Student Code of Conduct classifies rape or sexual assault as a tier three offense, (out of five) requiring a minimum 11-day suspension and a maximum response of expulsion. The student could also be transferred to another school.
CMS would not comment on the punishment handed down to Neal, and sent Channel 9 a statement which said in part:
"Under federal law we cannot disclose information that constitutes part of a student's educational record. In all matters involving student and staff safety CMS is committed to exploring solutions in accordance with the CMS student code of conduct in the best interest of all impacted students."
CMS officials also said they get a report every morning that details whether or not any students have been arrested and charged with a crime.
However, after an investigation begins they have a lot of discretion over what punishments they can hand down, depending on the charge.
Students told Channel 9 that Neal is a defensive lineman on Mallard Creek High's football team. The school has won the last two Division 4AA state championships.
On Monday, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Ann Clark said she's grateful authorities acted quickly.
She issued a statement to Channel 9, saying, "I am deeply saddened by the report of an alleged assault of a student at Mallard Creek High School. My thoughts and prayers are with the student and family members impacted by this situation."
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