Lexington Teacher Charged with Assaulting Nonverbal Student

News Summary

Fritzie Suerto Refamonte, a teacher at White Knoll High School, faces charges after allegedly assaulting a nonverbal student. The incident, where Refamonte reportedly used the student’s hands to hit their own face, has sparked an investigation by local authorities. This event raises serious concerns about the treatment of special needs students and classroom management practices. The community is now demanding accountability and safer environments in schools.

Teacher in Lexington Faces Charges Over Incident with Student

In a startling incident that has captured the attention of the Lexington County community, a teacher at White Knoll High School has been charged with assaulting one of her students. The teacher, Fritzie Suerto Refamonte, 45, now finds herself at the center of a serious investigation following an event that reportedly took place on January 14.

What Happened?

According to reports, the incident involved a nonverbal student, who was allegedly subjected to some highly inappropriate behavior from Refamonte. It is claimed that the teacher took the student’s hands and used them to hit their own face. This shocking allegation has raised significant concerns about the safety and treatment of students, particularly those with special needs.

Refamonte had apparently attempted to communicate that the student’s behavior was not acceptable by saying something along the lines of “hit yourself, not the teacher.” While her intentions may have been to teach the student a lesson, the approach taken has resulted in serious repercussions.

Investigation Underway

The situation quickly drew the attention of local law enforcement. Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon confirmed that an investigation was launched shortly after the incident came to light. Authorities conducted interviews with three witnesses who were present during the distressing event.

One witness even mentioned needing to physically separate Refamonte from the student to prevent further harm during the ordeal. This detail underscores the severity of the situation and raises questions about classroom management and the well-being of students.

Teacher’s Admission

Following the incident, Refamonte reportedly admitted to her actions, claiming she believed it was a method to guide the student toward understanding their misconduct. However, the fact that she resorted to such drastic measures has led many to criticize her teaching methods and decision-making.

Charges Filed

As a result of the investigation, Refamonte is facing charges of third-degree assault and battery. This type of charge indicates that the alleged action was neither a minor infraction nor a serious felony but rather falls somewhere in between on the scale of unlawful behavior.

On the morning of January 29, Refamonte was arrested at her home, marking a significant turn of events in her career as an educator. The situation has left many in the community expressing concern over safety and the treatment of vulnerable students in schools.

Currently Detained

As of now, Fritzie Suerto Refamonte is being held at the Lexington County Detention Center while the case continues to unfold. The local community is closely watching the developments, with many hoping for a fair resolution that prioritizes the well-being of students above all else.

Community Concerns

This incident has brought to light crucial discussions about the treatment of nonverbal or special needs students and the responsibility of educators. Parents, teachers, and community members are weighing in on what this means for the future of educational practices, emphasizing the importance of understanding, patience, and appropriate methods of communication in schools.

As the legal proceedings continue, the Lexington County community is looking for answers and accountability regarding the treatment of students, hoping for safer environments in local schools.

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Additional Resources

• Lexington County Sheriff’s Office
• WIS TV
• WLTX News
• ABC Columbia
• The State

Author: HERE Lexington