A Georgia teacher and her classroom aide have been arrested for allegedly duct-taping a boy with Autism to his chair on multiple occasions. The abuse was not reported for over a year after it occurred. The two educators are also accused of confining a blind girl under the teacher's desk. Laurie Peavy [left] and Nancy Cheek [below right] have both been charged with first-degree cruelty to children and false imprisonment. Peavy faces two counts of each, while Cheek is charged with one count of each offense.
The alleged abuse happened approximately one year ago, but wasn't reported until two other Woodstock High staff members came forward with information. According to another special education teacher, the staff members reported the past abuse after learning that the alleged victims, who had been in a different class, were transferred back to Laurie Peavy's classroom. Although teachers are legally mandated to report child abuse, the other staffers will not face charges for failing to report the abuse immediately.
Lt. Jay Baker of the Cherokee County
Sheriff’s Office says, “The decision not to charge [the staffers who reported the incidents] was made based on
the fact that had they not come forward, we would not have a case.
Certainly, we wish they would have come forward earlier.”
Both teachers have been placed on administrative leave pending a school system investigation. According to school spokesman Mike McCowan, it's "highly likely" that the school committee will recommend both be fired.
Related:
Five School Staff Members Fired for Allegedly Abandoning Disabled Student on Field Trip
Teacher Accused of Tying Autistic Kids to Chairs
