Georgetown High School’s athletic director, Al Hutchinson, is on administrative leave with pay after he was arrested in Horry County on a charge of driving under the influence.

Hutchinson, who is also a culinary arts teacher and softball coach at the Georgetown Career Center, was arrested shortly after 3 a.m. Jan. 23, according to booking information at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center. He was released on a $1,000 bail.

School Superintendent Dr. Randy Dozier said a review of Hutchinson’s arrest is pending.

Hutchinson’s attorney, Hutchinson's attorney, Bert von Herrmann, said his client maintains his innocence and they both expect “a positive outcome.”

He said the matter is “a misunderstanding of circumstances” and “there was no indication of impairment we have seen.”

Hutchinson, a district worker for 27 years, will remain on leave as the internal investigation continues.

About that, von Herrmann said Hutchinson “is in no way a danger to children, the education process or the school system.”

He also said he expects Hutchinson to return to work, possibly sometime this week.

By Scott Harper

sharper@gtowntims.com