HARTSVILLE, SC (WBTW) – A substitute teacher at a Hartsville elementary school is accused of slapping a child.
On Wednesday, officers were advised of an incident that reportedly happened between a substitute teacher and a student, according to an incident report from the Hartsville Police Department. Jaquan Hikeen Bryant is accused of striking a student on the arm inside a classroom at 325 W. Washington Street in Hartsville.
Audrey Childers, with the Darlington County School District, released a statement on Friday to News13, saying, in part:
“Wednesday afternoon an allegation was made against a substitute teacher at Washington St. Elementary School. School administrators acted timely and appropriately by notifying law enforcement. The substitute was removed from the classroom, pending the outcome of the investigation.”
The statement also said the DCSD has contracted with Kelly Educational Staffing to manage “all of our substitute teacher needs.”
Kelly Educational Staffing released a statment to News13 on Friday, saying:
Kelly Educational Staffing (KES) is always concerned when a report of alleged inappropriate behavior is received, as student safety is our number one priority. We are currently investigating the allegations. However, as a company that conducts business based on the highest standards of professionalism, including the appropriate respect for the privacy our employees and customers, and in accordance with employment regulations, we do not publicly discuss matters specific to an individual.
According to booking records from the Darlington County Detention Center, Bryant was booked around 1 p.m. on Wednesday and released around 7:20 p.m. on Thursday on a personal recognizance bond. His charge is listed as neglect by legal custodian.
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