Allentown Principal Charged After Viral Park Incident Involving Children
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — An Allentown school principal is facing criminal charges after a viral video showed her acting erratically and harassing children during a community event at a city park.
Incident at Bucky Boyle Park
The incident happened on September 13 at Bucky Boyle Park, where neighbors were gathered for a picnic.
Witnesses told police that Stephanie M. Williams, 39, the principal of Harrison-Morton Middle School, was yelling at children and behaving erratically.
Videos posted to YouTube by youths captured Williams confronting kids and telling them, “You’re about to go viral. Videotape me.”
Police Response and Arrest
Police said they asked Williams several times to leave the park because her behavior was causing concern. When officers escorted her and her child out, she became confrontational and resisted commands to vacate the area.
Williams was arrested after allegedly kicking out the rear window of a police cruiser. Her behavior continued at the station, where she was described as “erratic.”
She was later taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
Charges Filed
Williams is charged with:
- Summary disorderly conduct
- Summary criminal mischief
The charges were filed September 24 by Allentown police at the office of District Judge Karen C. Devine.
School District’s Response
Williams was placed on administrative leave the same day as the incident, and an acting principal has been appointed.
The Allentown School District released a statement saying:
“As of this week, and while the matter remains under review, Ms. Williams is currently utilizing her accrued paid time off… The matter is being handled directly by law enforcement.”
Officials added their focus remains on supporting students, staff, and families during the school year.
Background on Williams
Before her role in Allentown, Williams served as principal of Belmont Charter Middle School in Philadelphia and has been an educator since 2008.
She previously worked as an assistant principal, academy leader, and special education teacher.
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