Photo Credits: WSAV-TV
During the Savannah Bridge Run 10K in Georgia, a local TV was covering the race when the live camera caught a jogger slapping the reporter’s butt. Tom Callaway, a Pittman Park United Methodist Church leader, slapped reporter Alex Bozarjian on the butt as he passed her during the race in Savannah. Bozarjian was doing her job, covering the race, so the whole incident was caught on camera. Callaway has been charged with a sexual misdemeanor because his identity was easily determined through the images available and his racing number. Sexual misdemeanor is a serious crime of intentionally making physical contact with the intimate parts of the other without consent so this incident could have a serious effect on Callaway.
Bozarjian filed a police report against Callaway, according to The God.Dailydot.Com, and spoke out openly about what a violation it was for her as she did her job. “He took my power, and I’m trying to take that back,” Bozarjian told CBS This Morning the next day. “I think what it really comes down to is that he helped himself to a part of my body.” The original video of the assault was shared by Bozarjian on Twitter, along with her comment that read, “To the man who smacked my butt on live TV this morning: You violated, objectified, and embarrassed me. No woman should EVER have to put up with this at work or anywhere!! Do better.”
Callaway turned himself into the sheriff’s department and he was released on a bond waiting for his court date. Besides his ties with the Methodist Youth Group he was also a leader with the Boy Scouts of America. Callaway defended himself by indicating that he was caught up in the moment and that it was a misjudge in character and decision making. As Patheos reports, Callaway’s lawyer tried to relativize the situation abolishing him from this incident:
“While we regret the situation, Mr. Callaway did not act with any criminal intentions. Tommy is a loving husband and father who is very active in his community. We have been in touch with WSAV and representatives for Ms. Alex Bozarjian, as well as members of Savannah law enforcement. We do not expect any criminal charges to arise from this incident, and we are working with those involved to correct the situation.”
Even though both Callaway and his lawyer are trying to relativize the incident, it represents an example of sexual misdemeanor against a woman doing her job. This incident was caught on camera, and it is a good thing because there are evidences to take actions against Callaway, but many similar incidents are never discovered. That is why Callaway should be punished accordingly so everyone could understand the seriousness of actions like these.
