Removed Teacher Reassigned While Police, Schools Investigate

A week after Anne Arundel County police escorted a physical education teacher from an Arnold middle school, the reason for his removal remains unclear.

On Feb. 10, police led Jon “Tony” Prunesti from Magothy River Middle School. He was not arrested or charged with a crime. County police spokesman Justin Mulcahy has since said the incident was “medical in nature,” but could not comment further.

Prunesti has been reassigned to work in the Anne Arundel County Public Schools central office while two investigations take place—one by county police, and one by school officials, school system spokesperson Maneka Monk said.

Monk said she could not comment on the nature of the investigations, adding that the school system will “defer to county police” in this instance.

Mulcahy also said he could not go into details on the Prunesti case, but did share some insight.

“The incident was medical in nature. However, I'm not at liberty to specify further,” Mulcahy said.

When asked if Prunesti will ultimately remain a teacher in the school system, Monk said that decision hasn’t been made, as investigations are still ongoing.

A long-term substitute has been hired to teach Prunesti’s classes while he is away. Monk said a permanent hire has not been made.

Patch has been unable to reach Prunesti for comment.

Immediately after Patch broke the story of Prunesti being escorted from Magothy River Middle School, parents and friends who knew him reached out to support him. The story received dozens of comments on our Facebook page and in the article comments.

Here are a few:

“I strongly feel removing Prunesti (likely forever, given the statement of hiring a 'long term substitute') is wholy uncalled for.”
-"Paul M. Fitzpatrick" on Facebook

“The police removing him from the school was very upsetting to the kids. My son is very upset that he's no longer his teacher!”
-"Vicky Jenkins" on Facebook 

“The way it was handled has me more annoyed...good teachers shouldn't be taken for granted, and he is one that is liked by both students and teachers. Our students are the ones that will be missing out.”
-"Cindy Talarico Fitzpatrick" on Facebook

“I also think his removal during school by the police was inappropriate. A simple request to reassign him while it is investigated would have been enough.”
-"Magothy Mom" on Patch

“Tony is a good guy. Let's let this thing play out before rushing to any judgement. He grew up down the street, and at the age of 18 or 19 had a substatial role in community athletics.”
-"Jon Son" on Patch