Assistant principal placed on leave after arrest for sexual battery

LITHONIA, Ga. - An assistant principal at Lithonia Middle School has been placed on leave after being arrested for sexual battery.

Dr. Samuel David Wilder arrested Thursday on charges of aggravated sexual battery, aggravated sodomy, and simple battery.

"After receiving reports of possible inappropriate actions on the part of Mr. Samuel Wilder, an assistant principal at Lithonia Middle School, detectives from the DCSD Police Department promptly launched an investigation," a statement from DeKalb County Schools on Friday read in part.

Lithonia Middle School  (FOX 5)

"Due to the seriousness of the allegations, the District followed appropriate protocols and procedures and placed Mr. Wilder on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, which has uncovered evidence that has led to his arrest," the statement continued.

Dr. Samuel David Wilder  (DeKalb County Sheriff's Office)

Dr. Wilder was arrested by the DeKalb County School Police at the end of their investigation.

"No students were found to have been involved in these allegations, and DCSD school and District personnel continue to cooperate in this ongoing investigation fully," the district’s statement concludes.

An attorney for Dr. Wilder issued the following statement Saturday:

"Dr. Samuel D. Wilder is absolutely and unequivocally innocent of these charges. Dr. Wilder looks forward to clearing his name completely in a court of law. He appreciates the prayers and support of his friends and family."

Wilder was booked into the DeKalb County Jail.