LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE/Gray News) – A high school special education teacher in Kentucky has been arrested following accusations of abuse in the classroom.
Jamison Woods is charged with criminal abuse, two counts of harassment with physical contact and official misconduct.
According to a criminal complaint, the first incident happened on Jan. 28 at Oldham County High School. Woods was with a small group of special needs students when she allegedly started demonstrating crisis prevention intervention holds on a 15-year-old with autism for “no justified reason.”
Court documents say the student was not bothered by the hold, but asked Woods for a hug afterward. Woods then allegedly denied him, saying, ” You have nasty germs.” Woods then went towards a cabinet while the student followed and asked for another hug. She then allegedly grabbed a can of aerosol spray cleaner and sprayed his face.
Woods was reported to be within a foot of the student and she moved the can around as it sprayed, according to the court documents. The student’s glasses blocked the spray from getting in his eyes.
The next reported incident happened on Jan. 30. Police said Woods threw a yoga ball at a 15-year-old mentally disabled student and a 14-year-old student with multiple disabilities. Both students were allegedly hit in the head multiple times. A classroom aide saw the alleged incident.
“We were made aware of allegations involving a teacher at OCHS back in late January. The teacher was immediately removed from the school and placed on leave while an investigation, led by OCPD, took place. The teacher has not been back on campus since the allegations were brought forward. We continue to cooperate with the ongoing investigation and are committed to the safety and well-being of our students, while respecting the privacy of those involved,” Oldham County Schools said in a statement addressing the allegations.
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