Jackson nonprofit executive arrested after alleged domestic dispute with Brownsville mayor

The executive director of a local nonprofit dental clinic was arrested Saturday after an alleged domestic dispute with the mayor of Brownsville.

Sabrina Blue, 48, of Helping Hands of Tennessee, faces one charge of domestic assault. Blue allegedly struck William D. Rawls Jr. in the face, causing a "small laceration to the inside of his upper lip," during a domestic dispute Saturday.

"It's getting blown way out of proportion," Rawls said, noting that he did not call the police after the incident and will not be pressing charges.

Blue is dating Rawls, according to court documents. The incident occurred after a verbal argument escalated and Blue allegedly vandalized property in Rawls' Brownsville home. Blue declined to comment on the allegations.

According to Rawls, Blue was arrested because state law requires officers to separate those involved in a domestic assault and Blue refused to talk to police. 

"Sabrina and I are fine," Rawls said, adding that both he and Blue have a history of being upstanding, charitable members of the community. He said he feels that Blue is being "targeted and victimized" by the public because of his position in the city.

"If I wasn't the mayor, this wouldn't be a story," Rawls said.

Blue was released from custody Saturday on $1,500 bond. She will appear in court at 9 a.m. on May 13.

Reach Cassandra Stephenson at ckstephens@jacksonsun.com or at (731) 694-7261. Follow Cassandra on Twitter at @CStephenson731.