Mealand Ragland-Hudgins The Daily News Journal

MURFREESBORO –

Rockvale Elementary School principal Donnie Johnson has been suspended after investigators witnessed his participation in a drug transaction Friday afternoon, according to a news release from Murfreesboro Police Department.

Murfreesboro Police Vice Detective Shawn Jensen received information that Johnson, 58, had purchased crack cocaine in Murfreesboro multiple times and was going to purchase more this afternoon at a pharmacy on Cason Lane, according to the MPD release. The name of the pharmacy was not released.

Detective Jensen and other detectives from the vice unit observed Johnson at the specified location use an ATM to retrieve cash, the release stated. Johnson then met the seller, Tiquista Robinson, in the parking lot of the business.

Detectives witnessed a hand-to-hand transaction and stopped both subjects, according to police.

Johnson said he was buying the crack cocaine for his personal use and was charged with one count of simple possession and casual exchange, police said. He was released from the Rutherford County Jail at 9:10 p.m. Friday on a $1,000 bond

Robinson, 29, admitted she sold the cocaine, police said.. She faces a felony count possession of a Schedule II drug. She was also released at 9:10 p.m. Friday on a $4,500 bond.

Johnson has been employed by Rutherford County Schools for more than 30 years, according to a statement issued by the school system Friday evening.

"We are shocked, saddened and disturbed by the news of longtime educator Donnie Johnson being charged with possession of crack cocaine," the statement said. "We did not learn of the charge until after hours Friday evening and have limited information. However, this type of alleged behavior cannot be tolerated and Mr. Johnson will not be permitted to return to work at this time."

Rutherford County Schools' release stated that Johnson has no record of such behavior with the school system.

After their arrests, Johnson and Robinson were transported to the Rutherford County Jail, according to police.

Johnson has called Friday night football games on WGNS Radio with Bryan Barrett for more than 15 years, said Scott Walker, station president.

Walker said he found out about Johnson's arrest from Barrett around 8:45 p.m., but had no prior knowledge of any drug use by Johnson.

"We're certainly praying for him and that he gets the help that he needs. We'll stay with him through it," Walker told The Daily News Journal.

Contact Mealand Ragland-Hudgins at 615-278-5189 or mragland@dnj.com. Follow her on Twitter @dnj_mrhudgins.