ORANGE PARK, Fla. — An elementary school staff member has been arrested following allegations of child abuse against a student.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office announced an investigation was initiated following a report from the principal of W.E. Cherry Elementary School. The report accused Pearl Gyamera, a behavioral assistant for Exceptional Student Education (ESE), of assault.
According to a press release, the principal informed the police that on the morning of Tuesday, August 26, a student was with their speech therapist when they started kicking their legs. The task of calming the student was assigned to Gyamera, according to the CCSO.
Police reported that during Gyamera’s efforts to soothe the student, she was allegedly kicked by the student. In response, Gyamera allegedly kicked the student back three times, questioning if it hurt and how it felt.
Police say that the student did not suffer from any injuries.
After Gyamera’s arrest, the Clay County School District placed her on administrative leave. She had been working for the district since August 2016.
First Coast News has reached out to the school district for a statement. We are waiting to hear back.
