MCHS Principal Ceglinski Suspended, Facing Charges

A Paducah attorney says McCracken County High School Principal Michael Ceglinski has been suspended with pay from his position amid allegations he failed to report abuse of his students.

In a statement released Wednesday morning, Ceglinski's attorney Jeremy Ian Smith denied any wrongdoing by his client, and said he has fully cooperated with the ongoing investigation. Smith says Ceglinski is facing two misdemeanors alleging he failed to report the abuse of students. He goes on to call the charges "nonsensical and illogical", and says Ceglinski looks forward to taking the case to trial.

The McCracken County Sheriff's Office has scheduled a press conference for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday to address recent criminal charges against several  McCracken County School officials. 

Here is Smith's full statement:

"Principal Michael Ceglinski has been suspended with pay from his duties at McCracken County High School after being charged with two misdemeanors alleging he did not report abuse of his students. These charges are nonsensical and illogical. Principal Ceglinski has never had any motive to fail to report the abuse of his students. In his 20 years as an educator, the last seven as principal of McCracken County High School, Principal Ceglinski has always made the needs and safety of his students a priority. Principal Ceglinski cooperated with the investigation and looks forward to trial where rumor and innuendo are not evidence. Principal Ceglinski looks forward to being judged by the facts."

Ceglinski is the latest McCracken County High School employee to face charges related to the alleged abuse of students. Athletic Director Kris Garrett and fishing coach John Parks are also reportedly being investigated by the sheriff's department.