October 20, 2016
Prosecutors announced Thursday they have dropped the simple assault charge against a suburban Philadelphia preparatory school headmaster who was put on leave earlier this month.
The Haverford School placed Dr. John Nagl on administrative leave on Oct. 12 following his arrest for an alleged simple assault that police said involved Nagl's son.
The Delaware County District Attorney's Office said that although there was probable cause for Nagl's arrest, there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the case.
According to an affidavit obtained by 6ABC, Nagl allegedly found his son talking on his cellphone, which was in violation of a punishment Nagl had given him after allegedly finding marijuana in his backpack two days earlier.
A physical altercation ensued, and Nagl allegedly put his son in a chokehold, according to the police report.
In announcing Nagl's leave, Haverford Board Chairman William Yoh called the incident a "deeply personal matter" and said Nagl was cooperating fully with the school in dealing with the situation.
Yoh said in a statement Thursday the board of trustees was scheduled to meet next week to assess the situation in light of prosecutors withdrawing the charge.
Mark Thorburn was named temporary headmaster in Nagl's absence. A call to the Haverford School seeking comment on the status of Nagl's employment was not immediately returned Thursday morning.
