PC West Teacher Arrested For Violating Protective Order

A Putnam City West teacher was arrested, accused of violating a victim’s protective order that was filed against him.

An arrest warrant was filed against 47-year-old Clifton Wayne Smith and News 9 was there when he was led away in handcuffs.

The appearance of an officer at Smith's hearing came as a surprise to him and his attorney.

The warrant for his arrest states Smith called an ex-girlfriend last week, despite her having an active protective order in place against him.

That ex-girlfriend filed the protection order against him back in 2014. She claims since then, Smith has engaged in a series of derogatory and harassing statements against her on social media.

One such post read, “You may be safe if I so desire.”

The arrest came while Smith was at another Protective order hearing Monday morning, filed by a different woman on Feb. 8, 2016. Her hearing has now been rescheduled for April 25.

Both of the women who filed the protective orders claim they used to date Smith and when they broke up with him, he would stalk, call, and harass them relentlessly.

Smith refused to answer any questions or even acknowledge our camera as he was led out of courtroom heading to jail.

According to the school website, Smith teaches world history at Putnam City West high school and was scheduled to be at work Monday until we notified them of his arrest.

A Spokesperson for Putnam City Schools released this statement:

“On the morning of Monday, Feb. 22, Putnam City Schools became aware of the arrest of a district employee. The district takes the matter seriously, is looking into facts of the case and is taking steps consistent with internal processes for an event of this nature.”

According to the district, Smith began working in the district in August 2000.

His entire career has been spent at Putnam City West. Although he is not currently a coach at the school, he has held various coaching positions in the past.

A Spokesperson for Yes All daughters says they've been called in to help support the women who filed the complaints. Stacey Wright, founder of Yes All Daughters sent this statement to News 9:

“Wayne Smith's arrest comes as a relief to the victims he has stalked and harassed. He has a long history of harassing students and pursuing former students. Both of the women who have filed for VPO protection are former students. The fact that he remains employed by Putnam City schools is astounding in light of the multiple complaints filed with the school. We hope these charges bring closure to the victims and families."

Smith’s attorney says his client denies the allegations and is waiting for his day in court.