Background: Ruby Falls in Lookout Mountain, Tenn. (Google Maps). Inset: Heather Pecht (Chattanooga Police Department).
A Tennessee educator has found herself at the center of a disturbing accusation, as her own children have reported her for allegedly causing them harm, according to local law enforcement.
Heather Pecht, aged 47, was taken into custody by officers from the Chattanooga Police Department on Friday. She faces two charges related to child neglect. Court papers obtained by Chattanoogan.com reveal that Pecht’s younger children confided in their father about an incident where their mother purportedly assaulted them while they were in a vehicle at Ruby Falls, situated in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. The father noticed his children had healing scratches on their hands and, upon inquiry, was told that Pecht was allegedly to blame for these injuries.
Details from the court documents recount that the children were seated in the back of the car when Pecht’s phone ended up in their possession. She reportedly demanded the return of her phone, and during the ensuing commotion, she is accused of pinching and scratching one child. In an attempt to shield his sibling, the other child was allegedly bitten by Pecht.
The father, who does not live with Pecht, alerted the police upon receiving the children. Officers arrived at his residence on Friday night, where he shared that he had previously reported Pecht’s alleged abusive conduct, but no action was taken. The eldest child of the couple resides with the father, citing a desire to avoid interaction with the mother, as noted in the court documents.
The police reported that all three children recounted a history of alleged abuse by Pecht, claiming it had been ongoing for years with incidents occurring approximately once a week. Officers corroborated the children’s injuries, matching those observed by their father. The family was interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center, where they consistently described the events. The father has been given emergency custody of all three children.
ABC affiliate WBMA, based in Birmingham, Alabama, disclosed that Pecht is currently employed as a first-grade teacher at Lookout Mountain Elementary School. Hamilton County Schools have not yet commented on her current employment status.
Pecht was arrested on Friday and charged with two counts of child neglect. She posted bond and is scheduled to appear in court again on Jan. 27, 2026.
