A University of Tennessee associate professor is now on paid administrative leave following his arrest for the alleged physical assault of his girlfriend. Jonathan Hasford, 41, faces a felony charge of aggravated domestic assault after a March 17 incident at a home on Pinellas Drive.
Knoxville Police responded to the residence after an argument between the couple reportedly turned violent.
According to investigators, Hasford had been drinking prior to the altercation. Reports indicate that during the dispute, the woman threw flowers in the kitchen and grabbed Hasford’s arm. Hasford then allegedly responded by dragging and pushing the woman before choking her to the point where she could no longer breathe.
Police records state that Hasford told the victim he was going to “teach her a lesson” about touching him.
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When officers arrived on the scene, Hasford had already fled. They documented several minor injuries on the woman, including an abrasion on her chin and a visible red mark on her throat.
Hasford, who teaches marketing at the Haslam College of Business, was later taken into custody. In response to the criminal charge, the University of Tennessee moved to place him on paid leave pending the outcome of the legal proceedings.
The professor’s defense attorney, T. Scott Jones, characterized the incident as a “deeply personal family matter” in a statement. Jones expressed confidence that the charges would eventually be dismissed once more facts are brought to light by the defense team.
He noted that Hasford remains transparent with university administration and maintains his innocence, citing the principle of being innocent until proven guilty.
Hasford is currently scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 1, 2026.
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