FLORENCE — The parent of a Rogers High School student accused of attacking a coach at the school in March was found guilty of assault Wednesday afternoon and forced to spend the night in jail, officials said Thursday.

Courthouse officials said Edward Clarence Jenkins Jr., 41, 2042 Lauderdale 144, Killen, was found guilty of second-degree assault by Circuit Judge Mike Jones.

Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly said Jenkins waived his right to a jury trial and the case was heard by Jones without a jury.

Jenkins said he was upset with a coach for yelling at his 8-year-old son, according to reports.

Chris Krieger, the head boys' basketball coach and an elementary school physical education teacher at the school, sustained minor injuries in the attack, which occurred in front of the high school office on the morning of March 6.

Connolly said Jenkins testified and claimed he was upset because Krieger had been speaking inappropriately to his son.

The district attorney called three teachers that disputed those claims.

"And if so, that didn't give him the right to assault the coach," Connolly said.

Investigators said Jenkins was checking his daughter into the school when the incident happened.

At the time of the arrest, Jenkins told authorities he was just going to talk with the coach about yelling at his son, and when he approached Krieger, he said the coach made a threatening move toward him and that he was defending himself.
Krieger was struck several times in the face and head during the altercation, officials said.

Investigators said the school video disputes Jenkins' explanation.

Connolly said Jones watched the video before reaching his decision.

After issuing a guilty verdict, Jones remanded Jenkins to the Lauderdale County Detention Center. He was released Thursday on bail of $5,000.

Jenkins has not been sentenced. Connolly said a sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 20. Second-degree assault is a Class B felony and is punishable by 2-20 years in prison.

Connolly said Jenkins has been trespassed from school property. He said there are other ways to handle issues instead of attacking someone.

"Even if you got issues, you don't go into a school and attack a teacher. That's way out of line," Connolly said.

Tom Smith can be reached at 256-740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.