Substitute Teacher Arrested for Assaulting Two Students in Lexington County, SC

In a disturbing incident in Lexington County, South Carolina, a substitute teacher has been arrested and accused of assaulting two elementary school students, according to local law enforcement. The substitute teacher, Alice Johnson, was charged with two counts of third-degree assault and battery.

The Shocking Incident

The incident occurred on February 1 at Forts Pond Elementary School, where Johnson was placed by her employer, Kelly Services. Two students, who are unnamed because they are minors, alleged that they were physically attacked by Johnson. One student claimed Johnson picked him up by the neck, lifting his feet into the air. Simultaneously, another student said he was pushed to the ground by the substitute teacher.

Thankfully, neither of the students were physically hurt, and no other injuries were reported from the incident. The events leading up to these alarming allegations were not immediately clear.

Investigation and Legal Implications

Upon receiving the report, the local school body, Lexington 1, immediately alerted the police, and a subsequent investigation was initiated. The substitute teacher’s employer, Kelly Services, was also notified, and Johnson was removed from all assignments pending the outcome of the investigation.

In addition to the two victims, the police took statements from several independent witnesses. After assessing the evidence, they concluded that a crime had been committed. Arrangements were made for Johnson to turn herself into custody at the Lexington County Detention Center.

As per South Carolina law, if Johnson is found guilty of the misdemeanor charges, she faces a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $500 fine per count. However, at the time of reporting, Johnson was not listed on the jail’s inmate roster, suggesting that she hadn’t yet turned herself in as of Monday afternoon.

Community Reactions and Ongoing Updates

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about safety and protocol in schools. Notably, the reaction of parents and members of the local community is one of anger and disbelief, questioning how such an incident could occur.

This breaking news has incited urgent discussions regarding school safety measures and the vetting process employed by external educator providers like Kelly Services. Additional layers of the situation will continue to unfold with the ongoing investigation.

As more information surfaces, the public will be kept informed. The current information is based on ongoing reports, which may change as new facts become clearer. The public is encouraged to follow up on this transformative situation to stay informed.