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'Unsupported': Long-time Taunton teacher fights claim he assaulted student

TAUNTON, Mass. — A veteran teacher and sports coach is defending himself against allegations he assaulted a student.

Outside court, the attorney for that teacher called the allegation a complete fabrication, claiming when the alleged victim went to the school nurse for a medical evaluation she found no redness or marks on his body.

"There’s absolutely two sides to every story and in this case my client absolutely, unequivocally denies these allegations," defense attorney Kenneth Anderson said.

Brian Clemmey is suddenly facing criminal allegations after spending years as a football coach and teacher at Taunton Public Schools.

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The court documents alleging assault and battery against Clemney are sealed inside the clerk’s office. But Clemmey’s attorney says the charge stems from allegations that Clemmey was standing in the hallway inside Parker Middle School as students lined up to go to lunch.

He also says the alleged victim claims Clemmey suddenly punched him.

"My understanding is that there are three witnesses -- four including my client -- who said that it didn’t happen," Anderson told Boston 25 News.

Anderson says two teachers testified at a magistrate’s hearing that the assault didn’t occur.

He showed Boston 25 News a November 2018 letter from the Department of Children and Family that says “based on the information obtained, the department has made the following determination: unsupported."

"My understanding is that the school had cleared him, they were about to bring him back to school, and then he got the summons for this arraignment," Anderson explained.

Clemmey, who pleaded not guilty, is now on paid leave and eagerly awaiting the moment he can clear his name, according to his attorney.

"I believe that at the end of this, my client will be exonerated, and we are really looking forward to our day in court," said Anderson.

Clemmey was released on personal recognizance until a hearing in March.

The superintendent did not return our call seeking comment.

We also were not able to make contact with the alleged victim or his family.

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