A first-grade teacher in Tennessee, Heather Pecht, faces two charges of child abuse following allegations from her children that she bit and scratched them while yelling at them over her cell phone.
The incident came to light on December 12 when Chattanooga Police received a report from the children’s father. After collecting two of his children from Pecht, his estranged wife, he noticed they had scratches and scabs on their hands. The children revealed that their mother was responsible for their injuries, according to The Chattanoogan.
The father informed the officers that he had previously reported instances of abuse, but no actions were taken. He added that his eldest child chose to live with him to avoid being near their mother.
According to court documents, the two younger children recounted being in a parking lot at Ruby Falls on Lookout Mountain when Pecht’s cell phone fell into the back seat. As they attempted to retrieve it, Pecht allegedly began screaming, pinching, and scratching them. One child exited the vehicle to escape, while another stated that Pecht bit him when he tried to fend off her hands.
The children reported that such abusive incidents have been ongoing for years, occurring approximately once a week.
Police observed scratches, red marks, and other fingernail-like imprints on the children’s hands, corroborating their statements.
The oldest child also reported frequent abuse, WTVC reported.
The father filed a request for emergency custody of the children, which was granted, and Pecht was arrested on Friday on two counts of child abuse.
Pecht is a first grade teacher at Lookout Mountain Elementary School.
