A news conference was held Wednesday morning concerning allegations of abuse against a former Fresno Unified principal.

The Fresno Unified School District and the Fresno Police Department held the news conference at 8:30 a.m. at the FUSD Education Center in downtown Fresno.

FUSD Superintendent Bob Nelson, Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama, and Board of Education Trustees provided more information regarding an altercation between the former principal and a student.

Superintendent Nelson showed the video where the student can be seen arguing with Principal Brian Vollhardt at Wolters Elementary School.

The student is seen repeatedly sticking his finger in Principal Vollhardt's face and steps right up to him where he appears to make contact. That's when Principal Vollhardt shoved the student to the ground.

Nelson said Vollhardt reported the incident and he resigned when an investigation was launched.

The incident happened on the morning of June 7th.It was reported to the Fresno Police Department on June 9th and entered into the system with the video on June 13th.

The former principal was then hired at Tranquility High School. The Golden Plains School District claims they were unaware of the charges filed against Volhardt.

They say they learned about the incident Wednesday night and saw the video during the press conference on Thursday.

Volhardt is now on Administrative Leave as the investigation continues.

"Golden Plains Unified School District is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of our students. It is the sole intention of the district to comply with active district policies and procedures as well as state law. We will be working closely with our legal counsel, as more information is available," says Superintendent Martin Macias.

Chief Balderrama said he just learned about the incident Tuesday afternoon. "I had access to the video which was very disappointing —it was shocking to me," said Balderrama.

The chief said the case was turned over to the Fresno County District Attorney's Office on Tuesday and a charge of wilful cruelty to a minor was accepted by the district attorney.

Click here for more: https://kmph.com/news/local/former-fresno-unified-principal-investigated-for-abuse-superintendent-bob-nelson-fresno-police-chief-paco-balderrama-board-of-education-trustees

Video provided by the Fresno Unified School District.

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