Public-school employee in North Carolina arrested after special-needs student suffered multiple injuries

A former public-school employee has been charged with felony child abuse, aggravated assault and other crimes in North Carolina following multiple injuries to an 8-year-old student with special needs.

Lakita Rochelle Wilson, who was employed with Durham Public Schools at the time of the incident, was arrested Feb. 7 and later released on a $10,000 bond, according to WRAL News.

“(Court) documents accuse Wilson of pushing the child against the wall, pinning him to the floor and ‘putting pressure on his neck,’” writes Aaron Thomas, WRAL reporter. “The child suffered several injuries including bruising and lacerations to his chest, shoulders, neck, back and arms.”

Wilson was working at the time as an afterschool group leader but resigned Oct. 31, according to a spokesperson from the district of 32,000 students.

‘Whatever you’re thinking, multiply that by 10,000’ 

The incident comes as public schools across the nation are facing criticism for similar crimes against students with special needs. 

One Texas mom described the abuse of her 8-year-old son caught on camera in a San Antonio school district, where a teacher reportedly pushed his head to the ground, slammed him repeatedly into a wall and dragged him across the classroom. 

“Not one of the staff who was in the class stepped in to help my son,” she said. “They sat and watched as he was physically assaulted for 45+ minutes. Now whatever you’re thinking, multiply that by 10,000. It was bad.” 

However, the teacher accused of the abuse was still allowed to work for the district, according to the child’s mom. 

“They said that they don’t think he has the temperament for sped ed, or ALE, the self-contained class, but they’re still going to keep him on.” 

In Ohio, one teacher was charged with felony assault after allegedly slapping a 7-year-old nonverbal autistic student. 

“It was heart-wrenching. I was very upset, devastated,” the child’s mother, Page Frederick, told the local TV news outlet. “One of my worst fears happened in a so-called safe place while I’m at work.” 

Students with special needs are also at risk of other forms of abuse, including sexual exploitation. 

In one example, a Florida school psychologist was charged with seven felony counts of possessing and distributing child pornography. 

He was placed under house arrest as the judge noted he “had contact with students who’ve graduated and have special needs.” 

While Miami-Dade Public Schools refused to specify which school the psychologist had worked at, the district confirmed he had been fired and would not be allowed future employment. 

“Miami-Dade County Public Schools is deeply troubled by the disturbing allegations made against this individual,” the district said in a statement. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”