2 Oklahoma Elementary School Employees Accused of Attacking Young Students on Separate Occasions

Two elementary school employees in Oklahoma have been arrested after they were accused of attacking a 10-year-old student and a 5-year-old student on separate occasions.

Teacher’s aide Elizabeth Kay Sutton and personal care assistant Ottoria McClung were both charged with assault and battery upon a student, according to The Lawton Constitution.

Authorities learned of the first alleged assault when Elgin Elementary School Principal Gabe Winn reported on January 8 that Sutton, 38, allegedly grabbed a 10-year-old boy and forced him back into his seat before she struck him in the face.

Security camera footage allegedly showed Sutton move her arm toward the boy’s face, and the boy turned his head away from the teacher’s aide. Sutton was then seen swinging toward the boy’s face and his head snapped back on impact.

Back in his classroom, the boy’s teacher noticed a red mark on his face that was not there before the students’ lunch break.

While speaking to police, Sutton defended her actions and said the boy “had been difficult since returning to school after the break.”

She also claimed to have used a hold she was taught as a paraprofessional and insisted she never meant to hurt the boy, according to the outlet.

Sutton was then arrested and pleaded not guilty to assaulting the child. Superintendent Nate Meraz also confirmed to the outlet that she has since been fired from her job.

Months after Sutton was arrested, a similar incident took place when Elgin Elementary School personal care assistant McClung, 37, was allegedly observed carrying a 5-year-old student in a chokehold down a hallway.

A witness told police that the boy’s face was red and that he was crying, as well as hitting McClung’s arm in a vain bid to free himself. “I can’t deal with this,” McClung allegedly said during the altercation that took place on March 13, per the outlet.

McClung was arrested soon after and was fired following the allegations. It is not currently clear if she has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following her arrest.

After the upsetting incidents took place, Meraz issued a statement to the school that “all of the appropriate authorities were notified immediately.” Meraz also assured parents that “all employees must pass a background check, and professional references are called prior to employment.”

“Both of these instances were reported to administration by fellow employees which reflects the culture of accountability here,” Meraz added.

Meraz continued, “My philosophy on personnel is this: If we have reasonable hesitation in the interview process, we will not employ you. Once employed, if you harm a student, you will be terminated. We are here to educate kids in a safe environment. Elgin Public Schools’ highest priority is the safety and well-being of its students.”

Both Sutton and McClung are scheduled to appear in court on May 20 regarding their charges.