NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. (AP) — A New York principal who was accused of kissing a 12-year-old girl's shoulders while brushing her hair has been acquitted of child endangerment charges.

A jury in the Buffalo suburb of North Tonawanda returned the not guilty verdict against Lockport principal James Snyder on Tuesday.

Snyder was charged with the misdemeanors following a birthday party for his 12-year-old daughter last July. A girl testified that she sat on his lap while he brushed her hair and that he made her feel uneasy.

Snyder's lawyer said the girl had made conflicting statements.

Snyder is on leave from his position at North Park Junior High school.

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