D.C. Principal Guilty in Attack on Reporter

WASHINGTON — In a trial laced with racial overtones, the principal of a District of Columbia charter school was found guilty Friday of assaulting a newspaper reporter who visited the school for a story.

Superior Court Judge Truman Morrison found Marcus Garvey Public Charter School Principal Mary Anigbo guilty of assaulting Washington Times reporter Susan Ferrechio on Dec. 3.

Anigbo also was convicted of assaulting two police officers and of taking the reporter’s notebook.

Three other school employees were convicted of related charges. All of the charges were misdemeanors.

Anigbo denounced the convictions as racist and likened herself to martyrs throughout history.

“I’m in very good company. Who can I name who was lied upon, who was pushed and shoved?” Anigbo said outside the courthouse. “I can name Jesus Christ, Martin Luther King, Marcus Garvey and Sojourner Truth. I can go on and on.”

Anigbo and one of the school staffers face up to 15 months in jail and fines of up to $2,300. The other two face up to 180 days in jail and $1,000 fines. Anigbo will be sentenced Oct. 15.

Anigbo’s attorney, Veronice Holt, vowed to appeal the verdict. She also said Anigbo would sue the newspaper and the Police Department. The newspaper did not immediately comment.