CLEVELAND -- A commissioner for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District has been placed on paid administrative leave in connection with an assault investigation involving a former co-worker.
Leonard Jackson, the commissioner of Interscholastic Athletics, was placed on leave on April 23 after the school first learned of the allegations last week, according to District Communications Officer Roseann Canfora.
Euclid Police Chief Tom Brickman said he surrendered himself in court after the Euclid Prosecutor's Office issued three warrants last week Friday. Jackson appeared in court on a bond hearing and is in the process of posting bond, according to Chief Brickman.
A police report indicates Vito Federici was allegedly assaulted on March 12 at Euclid High School during a high school basketball tournament. He claims Jackson pushed him against the lockers, "exclaiming profanities and threats to do harm."
That's when Federici began to yell for help from bystanders down the hall when he broke free and ran into the gymnasium.
Federici told police that he and Jackson used to work together for the Cleveland School District. He said he did not suffer any injuries, telling police he just wanted to go on record because he is "a whistle blower" and is "tired of being bullied."
The police report was filed three days after the incident because he feared retaliation with "all of Mr. Jackson's guys at the ready."
Police who reviewed surveillance footage of the hallway said a man was seen approaching Federici, who appears to grab and push him.
Earlier in October, Jackson filed a report with Pepper Pike Police, alleging harassment and stalking by Federici.
Stay with WKYC.com as this story develops.
