Allegations Against Elgin Elementary School Employees
Two staff members at Elgin Elementary School in Oklahoma are facing accusations of assaulting students in separate incidents within just a few weeks. One employee is alleged to have punched a 10-year-old boy, while another is accused of strangling and carrying a 5-year-old student, according to court documents and local news reports.
Elizabeth Kay Sutton, age 38, and Ottoria Rose McClung, age 37, have both been charged with misdemeanor assault and battery involving students at the school.
The incidents prompted police involvement, leading to the termination of both employees, as confirmed by school officials and the court records.
A report indicates that on January 8, Principal Gabe Wynn informed authorities that Sutton, serving as a classroom aide, reportedly grabbed the 10-year-old boy, pulled him back into his seat, and punched him. Witnesses reportedly observed Sutton striking the boy as he attempted to rise from his seat.
Security footage examined by law enforcement allegedly shows Sutton gesturing aggressively towards the boy’s face and moving her head in a dismissive manner. After returning to class, a teacher noticed a visible mark on the child’s face.
Sutton explained to the police that the boy had been struggling since returning to school after a break and had tried to climb onto a table. She claimed she had employed a method she had been trained in but meant no harm to the child.
Having worked for the school system for five months, Sutton was terminated on January 15. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently held on a $500 bail. Her next court appearance is scheduled for May 20.
In a separate incident, McClung, who was working as a personal care worker at the same school, has also been accused of strangling a 5-year-old child and carrying him down the hallway, allegedly with his arm around her throat. A witness noted that the child was red-faced and crying during the encounter.
McClung, like Sutton, was fired and is facing similar misdemeanor charges. She is out on bail and is expected to appear in court on May 20 as well.
School superintendent Nate Meraz stated that both employees were dismissed immediately following the incidents.
Meraz emphasized the school’s commitment to maintaining a safe educational environment, noting that staff training occurs throughout the year and that any employee who endangers students will be dismissed.
“The well-being and safety of our students is the highest priority,” he remarked. The Elgin Police Department and the Comanche County Clerk of Court have been contacted for further comments.
