Habersham County Recreation Department Director Fenton Morris was attacked Thursday afternoon in his office at the Ruby C. Fulbright Aquatic Center in Clarkesville.
Now Habersham has learned that Morris’ attacker is believed to be Roger Canup, husband of former recreation department employee Diane Canup. “Diane was terminated this past fall for hostile work environment issues,” explains Habersham County Manager Phil Sutton. “She had threatened the recreation department staff.”
In a message to Habersham County Commissioners, Sutton said, “Mr. Canup came to Fenton’s office and hit Fenton, then they scuffled.” As to the extent of their injuries, “Both of them have some cuts,” Sutton says.
Both men were taken to Habersham County Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.
Sutton says Canup and his wife will face legal action, “The police will be filing a report to place a restraining order against Mr. & Mrs. Canup, and they will not be allowed to make contact with the employees at the recreation department. Neither Diane nor her husband will be allowed on County property.”
According to Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell, criminal charges will be filed against Roger Canup in connection to the attack.
UPDATE – Danny Roger Canup, was booked at the Habersham County Detention Center on charges of “Battery” and “Disorderly Conduct” Thursday afternoon. Both charges are misdemeanors. No bond has been set.
County officials expect Director Morris to return to work on Friday.
Full statement on today’s attack from County Manager Phil Sutton
“Fenton Morris was attacked by Roger Canup, the husband of Diane Canup. Diane was terminated this past fall for hostile work environment issues. She had threatened the recreation department staff. Mr. Canup came to Fenton’s office and hit Fenton, then they scuffled. Both of them have some cuts, and both will be going to the hospital to be checked out. The police will be filing a report to place a restraining order against Mr. & Mrs. Canup, and they will not be allowed to make contact with the employees at the recreation department. Neither Diane nor her husband will be allowed on County property.”
