Updated at 11:15 p.m. Thursday -- The Watauga City Commission voted unanimously to retain part-time police officer John Henson.
He is one of only two officers serving the city's more than 450 residents.
Henson is a good cop, Watauga can't afford to lose him, and this issue has been blown out of proportion, commissioners said.
"{He's a} politician, and he has a tendency to hug people -- male and female," said City Manager Hattie Skeans.
Henson plans to appeal his verdict, Skeans said.
The commission retained him with the understanding that this type of violation would not be repeated.
We've set new {sic} guidelines for him to follow. He will be monitored. If he does not follow the guidelines he will be dismissed," Commissioner Mickey Fair said.
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Watauga, Tenn. -- On April 22nd, Washington County Tennessee Sheriff's deputies filed a criminal summons for simple assault against John Henson.
A female victim said Henson put his arm around her at a laundromat on Watauga Road in Johnson City.
Henson, the former sheriff of Carter County and current part-time police officer for the City of Watauga, was found guilty on June 15th.
Judge James Nidiffer sentenced Henson to six months of probation and forbid any contact with the victim. He was given until June 25th to appeal the verdict.
The City of Watauga put Henson on administrative leave after Washington County filed assault charges. Commission members will decide his future with their police force Thursday night.
Look for a video version of this report, including the commission's ruling, tonight on 11 Connects at 11:00 p.m.
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