Florida School Worker, 80, Arrested After Allegedly Slapping Student
An 80-year-old school worker in Florida has been arrested on suspicion of child abuse after allegedly striking a nine-year-old student for misbehaving.
An 80-year-old former employee of Deltona Lakes Elementary School in Florida was arrested Monday on suspicion of child abuse after allegedly slapping a nine-year-old girl in the back of the head. The incident occurred on September 17, according to school officials.
Maria Graham, who worked in the Extended Day Enrichment Program, reportedly followed the student from the kitchen into the cafeteria and struck her. Surveillance footage reviewed by police showed the girl jolting forward after the alleged strike. The student told her mother days later that Graham had hit her while she was sitting down with her food. This prompted the mother to contact the school's principal.
Graham resigned from her position the day after the alleged altercation, prior to her arrest. Volusia County Schools confirmed her resignation and stated that the safety and well-being of students is their highest priority.
In her interview with investigators, Graham stated that the student had been misbehaving, accusing her of trying to cut the dinner line, pushing other students, and being disrespectful. Graham admitted that she may have raised her hand during the interaction, but claimed she had no recollection of intentionally hitting the girl's head, suggesting she may have only lightly touched it.
Bodycam footage captured Graham being placed in the back of a patrol car with her hands cuffed in front of her. She later appeared in an orange jumpsuit before a judge. She was released on her own recognizance, and the judge ordered that she have no contact with the victim.
