On February 1, 2024, an incident occurred at Forts Pond Elementary School involving a substitute teacher identified as Alice Johnson, employed by Kelly Services. The incident was reported to the Pelion Police Department by the Lexington One School District, leading to an immediate investigation.
According to reports, one student alleged that Johnson had lifted him off the ground by the neck, while another student claimed to have been pushed to the ground by the substitute teacher. Fortunately, neither child sustained any injuries during the incident.
In response to the allegations, the Pelion Police Department initiated an investigation, gathering statements from independent witnesses, as well as the victims. The investigation revealed evidence of a criminal act, leading to the charging of Alice Johnson with two counts of Assault and Battery 3rd Degree.
Kelly Services, the employer of the substitute teacher, was promptly notified of the situation. As a result, Johnson has been removed from all assignments pending the outcome of the investigation.
Pelion Police Investigators have coordinated with Johnson for her surrender, and she is expected to turn herself in at the Lexington County Detention Center.
The school district and law enforcement authorities are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of students, and any incidents of this nature are treated with the utmost seriousness. The legal process will now unfold as the case progresses through the criminal justice system.