A former teacher from West Richland is facing accusations of unlawfully imprisoning a student in her classroom for an hour and a half in the middle of a school day.
According to reports, the incident reportedly took place after the teacher reportedly became upset with the student after he showed excitement with a gesture when she mentioned possibly missing a future class due to illness. Although the student apologized, the teacher emailed his mother and told her the apology was inadequate. She suggested the student should do more to show that he appreciated her, such as writing a letter of apology.
The following day, the student reportedly approached the teacher after class so he could apologize again. Things escalated when the teacher allegedly locked the classroom door and insisted on praying with the student. The student said he did not practice religion, and the teacher reportedly called him a derogatory term in Spanish and made him repeat a prayer in a language he didn’t understand. Throughout the incident, the student asked multiple times if he could leave the room or call his mom, but the teacher refused. The teacher allegedly kept the student in the classroom for an entire class period and caused him to miss lunch.
When other students tried to get into the room, they noticed the locked door and alerted the principal, who reportedly found the student visibly shaken. The teacher later explained in an email that the boy missed lunch because the two had lost track of time.
She is facing charges of felony unlawful imprisonment, and the school district reported that they will not renew her contract. She will be on administrative leave until it expires.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.