Franklin County Sheriff's deputies arrested Kansas Rep. Mark Samsel on battery involving a student as he worked at a Wellsville school.
WELLSVILLE (KSNT) -- Kansas Rep. Mark Samsel is out of jail a day after being arrested for battery against a high school student, but he says the incident was staged.
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office said Samsel was arrested for misdemeanor battery involving a student. He has since been released on bond. Investigators said Samsel was working as a substitute teacher in the Wellsville School District at the time.
KSNT News obtained a short clip from the incident in the classroom, which can be viewed below:
KSNT News also spoke with Samsel Friday after his release. The message he focused on was that the classroom incident, where he said he used "f-bombs," and the "wrath of God," was made up.
The school district is aware of the situation, according to a letter sent to parents Thursday.
"At this time, we are prevented from commenting further on this situation. This is not due to a lack of transparency but due to privacy laws that prevent us from doing so," Ryan Bradbury, Wellsville Superintendent, said in the letter.
The Republican represents Kansas House District 5, which includes Wellsville and the surrounding area.
“We learned today that Rep. Mark Samsel was involved in an incident and law enforcement was contacted. We are not yet aware of the details, but are in process of gathering as much information as we can,” House Republican leadership said in a joint statement.
