The Moore County school system issued a brief a news relesese Friday afternoon to announce the decision.
“We are satisfied that a fair and thorough investigation has been concluded regarding this matter and feel it is appropriate that Mr. Williams return to his leadership role as principal of Westmoore Elementary School at this time,” said Superintendent Susan Purser.
Williams was suspended with pay on Dec. 13. The suspension lasted only 15 school days. Assistant Superintendent Brian Phillips, who oversees Westmoore School, conducted the investigation.
Williams was suspended while the school system investigated allegations made by Tammy Galloway, the mother of a sixth-grader at Westmoore. She alleged that Williams held her and her son in his office against their will during a Nov. 30 conference.
Galloway, who could not be reached for comment, filed a criminal summons for two counts of misdemeanor false imprisonment against Williams.
The Moore County Sheriff’s Department served the summons Dec. 8. Williams is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 4.
Galloway said in December that she and her son were “scared” during the conference. Galloway met with Williams in his office because she said her son had been bruised during an altercation with another student.
Parents and Westmoore residents have been vocal in their support for Williams.
On Dec. 13, more than 50 supporters rallied in a restaurant parking lot across from the school. They handed out fliers and garnered more than 100 signatures on a petition in little more than an hour.
The school’s PTA organized another rally of support during its monthly meeting Dec. 20. More than 350 people turned out to hear about two hours of speeches lauding Williams.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Williams’ lawyer, Clifton Marley, said the issue has been the result of a misunderstanding. He said Williams never intended to detain Galloway and believes Williams will be cleared of the charges brought against him if the matter goes to court.
Neither Williams nor Marley could be reached for comment about the reinstatement.
Williams has been with the Moore County school system for 27 years, including the last 13 as principal at Westmoore.
Debbie Warren, an assistant principal at West Pine Middle School, was the interim principal.
