In an unsettling series of events, two employees from the same Oklahoma elementary school are facing accusations of assaulting young students in separate incidents occurring just weeks apart. According to court documents and local news outlets, one of the staff members is alleged to have hit a 10-year-old, while the other is accused of carrying a 5-year-old in a chokehold.
Elizabeth Kay Sutton, aged 38, and Ottoria Rose McClung, aged 37, have both been charged with misdemeanor assault and battery against students at Elgin Elementary School in Elgin, Oklahoma. These incidents have spurred police involvement and subsequently led to the termination of both employees, as confirmed by school officials and court records.
The first incident that brought authorities to the school occurred on January 8. According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by The Lawton Constitution, Principal Gabe Winn reported that Sutton, who worked as a classroom aide, allegedly seized a 10-year-old boy, forcefully pulled him back into his seat, and struck him in the face.
As the situation unfolded, a witness recounted to school administrators that the boy had attempted to stand when Sutton reportedly yanked him back and appeared to hit him after letting go of his arm, the local outlet reported.
Both Sutton and McClung face serious allegations, and their bookings at the Comanche County Detention Center underscore the gravity of these charges. The back-to-back nature of these incidents has not only alarmed the school community but also highlighted the urgent need for stringent measures to ensure student safety.
A witness told school administrators the boy tried to stand up when Sutton yanked him back and appeared to hit him after releasing his arm, the outlet reported.
Security video reviewed by police appeared to show Sutton swing her arm toward the child’s face, causing his head to snap back, according to the report. The boy’s teacher later observed a red mark on his face when he returned to class.
Sutton told police the boy “had been difficult since returning back to school after the break” and had been trying to leave and get on top of the table, according to the outlet. She said she used a hold she had been taught and that her intent was never to hurt the boy.
Sutton, who had worked for the school system for five months, was terminated on Jan. 15, Superintendent Nate Meraz said. She has pleaded not guilty and is free on $500 bond while court records show she is due back in court May 20.
Elgin Elementary School in Elgin, Oklahoma, where two employees were charged in separate alleged assault incidents involving students. (Google Maps)
Weeks later, McClung, a personal care assistant at the same school, was accused of carrying a 5-year-old student in a chokehold down a hallway, with her arm wrapped around his throat, according to the report.
A witness told police the boy’s face was red and that he was crying and hitting McClung’s arm while she allegedly said, “I can’t deal with this,” on March 13, according to the outlet.
McClung was also fired and charged with misdemeanor assault and battery. She is free on bond and is scheduled to appear in court May 20, records show.
Meraz told Fox News Digital that both employees were terminated following the incidents.
Two Oklahoma elementary school teachers face charges for allegedly assaulting students. (iStock)
“The support employee was terminated in accordance with school policy. All of the appropriate authorities were notified immediately,” Meraz said in a statement, adding that staff are trained throughout the year and employees who harm students will be removed.
“We are tasked to educate kids in a safe environment and will continue to train staff toward that end,” he said. “Elgin Public Schools’ highest priority is the safety and well-being of its students.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Elgin Police Department and the Comanche County court clerk for additional comment.
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