A teacher’s aide at Elk Elementary Center was arrested last week after kicking and pushing a 3-year-old child with learning disabilities, according to a criminal complaint.
Deborah Richards, 62, of Cedar Grove, was arrested by the West Virginia State Police Friday and charged with the felony of battery and assault of a disabled child.
Incident captured on video
According to the criminal complaint, the administrator at the pre-K through fifth grade school contacted the state police and said she was made aware of the incident, which was captured on video surveillance.
The video shows Richards taking a wheelchair from the child that did not belong to the child, the complaint said. The child kicked Richards who said, “I kick back.â€
Richards then “extends her left leg to shove the child away from her†and “fully extends her left arm into the face of the child,†the complaint said. The child was pushed several feet backwards and onto the floor.
Richards allegedly stated, “I told you so,†and did not render aid to the child, who was crying. A nearby teacher did render aid.
The 3-year-old boy is considered disabled by the state due to learning disabilities and being enrolled in an Individualized Education Program. Only children with disabilities were participating in the program at Elk Elementary, according to the complaint.
District response
In an emailed statement, Kanawha County Schools officials said the alleged abuse happened during the “summer extended school year program.â€
The statement went on to say: “Kanawha County Schools staff followed all policy and procedures. We will continue to work with all involved in investigating the matter.â€
If convicted, Richards faces up to a $1,000 fine, one to five years in prison or both. A $1,000 bail was posted to secure Richards’s release. A preliminary hearing in the case is set for 1:30 p.m. July 9.
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