See a copy of Mr. Jennings' testimony HERE.
A Louisa County school board member is under fire from the community after testifying in defense of a man convicted of sexually assaulting a young boy inside an elementary school bathroom.
Allen Jennings was called as a character witness at the sentencing for Leslie Rayfield Johnson Jr. earlier this week. Johnson was convicted of aggravated sexual battery after Jouett Elementary School security cameras captured him following his young victim into a restroom. Johnson was at the school to pick up a different child.
At Tuesday's sentencing, school board member Jennings was called as a character witness for Johnson. He was asked if he thought the sex offender should be allowed back into a school to pick up children. Jennings said he wouldn't have a problem with it. Louisa's Commonwealth's Attorney repeated the question and got the same answer.
8News Investigative Reporter AJ Lagoe tracked Jennings down outside of court to question him on the bizarre testimony. As he got to his car, AJ asked Jennings if he thought his testimony sent a bad message. Jennings responded by slamming his car door and driving away without comment.
Later the same night, Jennings was a no-show to the monthly school board meeting.
Now, some parents are up in arms, and would like to see Jennings resign his post.
"He should never have done that being a school board member," said parent Katherine Ring. "This is a convicted sex offender we're talking about!"
Despite repeated attempts to contact Jennings, 8News has not received further comment. However, in the Thursday edition of the Central Virginian, Jennings said he "mis-spoke," and that he meant to say the opposite of what he did. Jennings was cited as saying the series of questions he was asked in court were "complicated."
Stay with 8News for further developments on this story.
Copyright 2013 by Young Broadcasting of Richmond.
