School Resource Officer Assaulted

The following press release has been issued by Clay County Sheriff's Office.  All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

School Resource Officer, Deputy Melissa Mariano was assaulted by a parent at the middle school, said Clay County Sheriff Vic Davis. On Thursday, April 27, 2017, Deputy Mariano was notified by the principal of a parent causing a problem in the middle school that morning. 

When Deputy Mariano arrived, she observed the parent, Erin Reichelt-Willis, in the lobby area of the middle school screaming and cursing at school staff. Deputy Mariano instructed Willis to leave the school grounds due to the nature of her behavior. Willis began to walk out of the building but then turned around and continued yelling again. Deputy Mariano directed Willis towards the parking lot and told her to leave. This is when Willis became assaultive and started hitting Deputy Mariano in the face; even placing her hands around Deputy Mariano’s neck. A school teacher pulled Willis back and she then went out the door to her vehicle. 

Sheriff Davis said other deputies then arrived at the school to find Willis in her vehicle, where she refused commands to get out. After a brief physical confrontation, Willis was placed under arrest, but not before assaulting the other deputies. 

Erin Reichelt- Willis, age 34, of Franklin, was arrested and charged with Felony Assault with Physical Injury on Law Enforcement, Second Degree Trespass, Misdemeanor Assault on Government Official, and Resisting Public Officer. A $10,000 bond was set Thursday but was reduced by a District Court Judge Friday to $2,000, which she made on Sunday, April 30. 

Sheriff Davis said all the deputies that were assaulted have been checked out and he is happy to report they will all be fine.

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