Teacher Accused of Ongoing Abuse by Her Own Children

A Tennessee elementary school teacher is facing criminal charges after her own children reported that she had been hurting them.

The investigation began in late December, after the children were returned to their father, who lives separately from their mother. He told officers that he noticed healing scratches on the hands of two of the younger children and asked how they were injured. The children reportedly said their mother caused the injuries during an incident earlier that day.

According to police, the alleged incident occurred while the children were sitting in the back seat of a vehicle parked at a tourist area in Lookout Mountain. Court records indicate that a dispute began when the mother’s phone ended up in the back seat. When the children reportedly attempted to hand it back, she allegedly became angry and scratched and pinched one child. The other child was reportedly bitten while trying to intervene.

The officers reported that they saw visible injuries which appeared to be consistent with the children’s accounts. During interviews, all three children allegedly told the police that similar behavior had been ongoing for years and happened regularly. The father told investigators he had raised concerns about the mother’s alleged behavior in the past but said no action was taken. Court documents also note that the oldest child had already been living with the father because of fear related to the mother.

The father and all three children were later interviewed at a Child Advocacy Center, where they reportedly gave consistent statements. Afterwards, the father was granted emergency custody of all three children.

The woman was taken into custody on suspicion of two counts of child neglect. According to reports, she was released after posting bond. At the time this was written, the school had not mentioned whether she was still
working for them.

If you or someone you love is suspected of a domestic violence offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.