Two Oklahoma elementary school employees arrested for reportedly attacking students

Charges Filed Against Oklahoma Teachers for Alleged Student Assaults

Two teachers from the same Oklahoma elementary school face charges after incidents involving students occurred within just a few months of each other.

Elizabeth Kay Sutton and Ottria McClung have been charged with assault and battery following separate allegations in Comanche County District Court in Elgin, which is located about an hour from Oklahoma City, as reported by local sources.

On January 8, authorities were called to Elgin Elementary School after Principal Gabe Wynn indicated that Sutton, 38, allegedly grabbed a 10-year-old boy, forced him back into his seat, and then punched him.

Security footage reportedly shows Sutton swinging toward the boy’s face, resulting in a noticeable impact that caused his head to snap back, while another teacher observed a red mark on the child’s face upon return from lunch.

Sutton defended her actions, claiming the boy had been problematic since returning from a school break. She mentioned using a technique she had been taught in her role as a paraprofessional but insisted that she never aimed to hurt the child.

Having been in her position as a teacher’s assistant for only five months, Sutton was arrested and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The school superintendent confirmed that she had been dismissed from her role.

Months later, McClung, 37, was also charged after witnesses reported seeing her with a 5-year-old boy in a chokehold in the school hallway on March 13. Witnesses described the boy as having a red face and noted that McClung was visibly upset, even striking her own arm while expressing her frustration.

Following this incident, McClung was also arrested and fired.

In response to these troubling events, Superintendent Nate Meraz stated that all relevant authorities were promptly informed. He reassured parents that all employees go through background checks and professional references are considered prior to hiring.

Meraz emphasized the culture of accountability in the school, noting, “Both of these cases were reported to management by fellow employees.” He further added, “If I have reasonable hesitation during the interview process, I will not hire you. Once you are hired, if you endanger a student, you will be fired. We are here to educate our children in a safe environment.”