The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A West Virginia middle school teacher has been accused of abusing a student after she allegedly wrapped his head, mouth, and limbs in duct tape as punishment.
For four days at the beginning of October, a teacher at Central Preston Middle School in Kingwood, who is also the president of the West Virginia Education Association’s Preston County chapter, reportedly harmed one of the children in her class as a disciplinary measure.
According to reports, each day from October 2 to October 5, the woman allegedly mistreated the youngster during class time in front of the other students.
The West Virginia State Police Department’s Preston County Detachment learned about the alleged abuse when the child spoke to troopers about the situation. He reported that his teacher wrapped his head in duct tape, and it covered his mouth. He said she also used the tape to restrain his hands.
It was reported that on October 3 and 4, the teacher used the tape to cover the child’s mouth from ear to ear. On October 5, the woman allegedly used “stronger tape” and, again, covered his mouth by wrapping it around his head and attaching it to his shoulders.
On October 13, the 43-year-old woman was arrested and booked into the Preston County Jail. She is facing preliminary charges for four counts of child abuse. She was released from custody after posting a $40,000 bond.
The Superintendent of the Preston County Board of Education reported that they were not permitted to speak about the situation and could not discuss the woman’s job status.
The investigation is ongoing, and the child was not terribly physically harmed by the tape. He reported that his lips were red and sore after peeling off the tape.
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.