Greer Police Department
Edwin Anthony Thomas, 51, was arrested Friday for third-degree assault and battery for an incident that took place at Greer Middle School.
Police were contacted when allegations surfaced. Thomas was placed on administration leave from Greenville County School and has since resigned his position. The district hired Thomas in August 2015.
Thomas is accused of approaching a 12-year-old student and inquiring if she wanted a hug, according to the warrant. Thomas, according to the police report, stated friends of the victim said she needed a hug.
The child, reportedly refused Thomas’s advances, backing up while Thomas continued to advance towards her. He grabbed her from behind and pressed his full chest against her back, according to police.
The child told the teacher to stop several times and even put a physical barrier between them by moving desks, according to the warrant. Thomas continued advancing towards her, approaching her from the back and grabbed her, wrapping his arms around her causing the child to suffer emotional injury and distress, according to the arrest warrant.
GPD reported there were no visible injuries to the child.
Police said the child stated there were times when he whispered items in her ear such as having beautiful hair, rubbed on her shoulder and back and making comments such as videotaping the victim and her friends goofing around. The child said Thomas said told her that if she ever goes up for adoption to let him know, according to police.