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In an alarming development at an Oklahoma elementary school, two separate incidents involving staff members allegedly assaulting students have come to light. The first case involves a staff member accused of striking a 10-year-old, while another is accused of holding a 5-year-old in a chokehold, as detailed in court documents and a regional news outlet.
Elizabeth Kay Sutton, aged 38, and Ottoria Rose McClung, aged 37, have been charged with misdemeanor assault and battery relating to these incidents at Elgin Elementary School, according to official records.
The incidents, which occurred just weeks apart, prompted police intervention and resulted in the termination of both employees, as confirmed by school representatives and legal documents.
The first incident led to a police visit on January 8 when Principal Gabe Winn reported that Sutton, who worked as a classroom aide, allegedly pulled a 10-year-old boy back into his chair and slapped him, per a probable cause affidavit cited by The Lawton Constitution.
These events have led to the release of booking photographs for Ottoria McClung and Elizabeth Kay Sutton, both facing charges for their actions in Oklahoma. (Source: Comanche County Detention Center)
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.