A KSU professor has been put on administrative leave after the administration learned about his felony arrest earlier this month.
Kenneth Charles Robinson associate professor of management and entrepreneurship was arrested and charged with child molestation and sexual battery. He turned himself in to the Fulton Co. Sherriff’s office on March 1 and was released the next day on a $100,000 bond.
“An inquiry by an Atlanta media outlet has brought to light criminal charges filed against a Kennesaw State University faculty member,” KSU said in a statement released Tuesday. “Robinson has been placed on administrative leave from his faculty position, pending further review by University officials.”
In a brief email to his 50 person senior level Management course he said, “false accusations can be made by anyone! In the U.S., everyone is innocent until proven guilty! However, some presume guilt by false accusations, a true travesty!”
The Coles College of Business has named interim professors for the courses Robinson was teaching this semester. Strategic Management will be taught by Stewart Napshin, Venture Management will be taught by Richard Peters, and his study abroad management course Ellen Cross.
According to Atlanta media sources the incident occurred on the night of November 22nd when Robinson reportedly climbed into bed with the 14-year-old daughter of the woman with whom he was drinking.
“Dr. Robinson strongly denies the charges,” George M. Weaver, Robinson’s Attorney told Fox 5 Atlanta. “We expect that he will be fully exonerated.”
Some inconsistencies have been noted by investigators reports the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Robinson and the mother were drinking when an argument started between the alleged victim and her mother.
Afterword the mother and Robinson entered the room of the alleged victim so her mother apologized. The responding officer reported that he was told the apology ended with a “group hug” while all three were lying in bed. However, reports of the hug were left out when the events were retold to the investigating detective.
Robinson is accused of climbing into bed with the alleged victim later that evening and touched her inappropriately. The mother and teenager’s sister then confronted him at 1 a.m. the next morning.
The matter is still under investigation by the Atlanta Police Department.
