WHEELING, W.Va. — The former principal at Wheeling Middle School pleaded no contest Monday to a lesser charge in connection with the alleged abuse of an eighth grade student.
Richard McCardle was originally charged with felony child abuse by a person in position of trust after police say he grabbed the student around the neck and slammed him to the floor. The abuse was over the school’s dress code.
McCardle pleaded no contest Monday to child abuse creating risk of serious bodily injury by a person in position of trust, a misdemeanor.
He was sentenced to 90 days in jail but the sentence was suspended in favor of 12 months probation.
Ohio County Prosecuting Attorney Shawn Turak told WTOV-TV the agreement to the lesser charge was reached because the student “thankfully received non-life threatening injuries.”
As part of the plea deal, McCardle can no longer work in public schools.
Pleading no contest allows a defendant to avoid admitting guilt while not contesting the charges or accepting the punishment.