A sixth grade teacher at Lee Middle School has been arrested after she allegedly ordered a student to slap a classmate who was talking in class, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said.
C, 64, was arrested May 19, after an investigation into the May 13 classroom incident and charged with child abuse without great bodily harm.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies learned about the incident the following day and began interviewing students and school staff.
Investigators believe C repeatedly told a student to stop talking during class. At some point, C reportedly asked the class, “Who wants to slap him?”
Witnesses said when no one volunteered and the student started talking again, C asked the question a second time, deputies said.
C then instructed two students to close the classroom window blinds, investigators said, and then directed another student to strike the victim.
According to witnesses, the student complied and gently slapped the victim across the face with an open hand.
During interviews with detectives, the 12-year-old who slapped the classmate said he was afraid of disobeying C’s instruction. He is not facing charges.
School administrators removed C from the classroom, and she has had no further contact with students, the sheriff’s office said.
The school district says C had worked at Lee Middle School since 2019. Her contract was not renewed on April 8; her last day of work was to have been May 29.
The School District of Manatee County released a statement about C’s arrest to ABC7:
“This incident is deeply concerning and does not reflect the standards or expectations we have for our employees. This arrest follows a collaborative investigation involving the School District, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and Child Protective Services. The District contacted the Department of Children and Families after receiving information on May 14, 2026.
“The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. We are committed to providing a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment for all students, and the actions described in this case are not aligned with that commitment we uphold in our schools.
“We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners, take all appropriate steps to ensure accountability, and keep our school community informed.
“The individual began employment with the School District in 2019 and worked at Lee Middle School during that time. She was non-renewed on April 8, 2026, with a last scheduled day of employment on May 29, 2026.”
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Source: Mysuncoast
