February 9, 2021
On January 29, 2021 a LCSO School Resource Deputy (SRD) met with the parent of a student in the front office of the Bronson Middle/High School. The parent was there to file a complaint on a substitute teacher. The parent described that his child was punched by this teacher during class. School Resource Deputies are responsible for the security of each school they are assigned to and also responsible for the investigation of most incidents that occur on school property while school is in session.
The allegation against the substitute teacher stems from the following incident. On January 29th the substitute teacher was taking attendance in the class. The primary teacher was absent this day and left his class a work assignment written on the chalk board. However, statements taken from the students revealed they believed this was a “free” period and they were not focused on work. Most were milling about the class room socializing.
The student who alleges he was punched was seated next to the teacher’s desk. This student took the pen the substitute teacher was using to mark attendance and played a game of keep-away. The investigation revealed the teacher gave this student several commands to return the pen and ultimately grabbed for the pen the student was grasping in his hand. The student was not injured and there was no physical evidence he had been struck.
This investigation included interviewing every child in the class where the incident occurred. The SRD also interviewed teachers, staff members and students in other classes this child attends. As a result of this investigation, the SRD was unable to establish the crime of battery had been committed. In order to establish a battery did occur the investigating deputy must identify the intentional act of striking someone against that persons will, and collect any evidence of the crime. No physical evidence was found and when compared to the multitude of contradictory statements that were taken, no charges will be filed in this case by the State Attorney’s Office.