PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Providence Superintendent Harrison Peters says he was aware of a school administrator’s questionable behavior in Florida, told no one and hired the man anyway.

The Providence Journal reports that Peters said he knew Olayinka Alege was accused in 2009 of “popping” boys’ toes as a form of discipline.

Peters told members of the Senate Oversight Committee on Monday that he spoke with Alege after learned about the alleged behavior in Florida and he convinced Peters it would not happen again.

In late April, Alege was charged with simple assault for allegedly massaging a boy’s feet at a Warwick gym.

Alege pleaded not guilty to the assault charge last week and was placed on leave after Warwick authorities contacted Peters.