Swain teacher under investigation for allegedly abusing special-needs students
A teacher at Swain County East Elementary School is under investigation for alleged non-sexual child abuse, according to The Swain County Sheriff’s Office.
“On Wednesday, February 18, district administrators received a report concerning the conduct of a classroom teacher. Upon learning of the matter, the district promptly notified local law enforcement and placed the employee on suspension with pay pending the outcome of an investigation,” Swain County Schools wrote in a statement.
Sheriff Brian Kirkland echoed that preliminary review began Wednesday evening in conjunction with the State Bureau of Investigation. He told The Smoky Mountain News that there are three alleged victims — all of whom have disabilities requiring extra classroom accommodation — and that he’s spoken to a few parents of those involved in order to align each alleged instance of abuse with the affected child. NCSBI interviews began today, Kirkland said, and the district attorney’s office is also involved.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
