Two elementary school workers accused of attacking young students
Two teachers from the same Oklahoma elementary school are facing criminal charges after separate incidents in which students were physically harmed.
Elizabeth Kay Sutton and Ottoria McClung have each been charged with assault and battery of a student in Comanche County District Court, located in Elgin, roughly an hour from Oklahoma City, according to the Lawton Constitution.
The first incident occurred on January 8 at Elgin Elementary School, when principal Gabe Winn reported that 38-year-old Sutton allegedly grabbed a 10-year-old boy and struck him in the face after forcing him back into his seat. Security footage reportedly shows Sutton raising her arm toward the child, who turned his head away, followed by a swing that made contact with the boy’s face. His classroom teacher later noticed a red mark after he returned from lunch.
Sutton told authorities that the boy “had been difficult since returning to school after the break” and said she used a technique taught to her as a paraprofessional, insisting she never intended to hurt the student. Sutton, who had worked as a teacher’s aide for just five months, was arrested and pleaded not guilty. She was subsequently terminated, Superintendent Nate Meraz confirmed.
Several months later, a second incident involved McClung, a 37-year-old personal care assistant at the same school. On March 13, she was reportedly seen carrying a 5-year-old student in a chokehold down a hallway. A witness told police the child’s face was red, he was crying, and he was striking McClung’s arm as she allegedly said, “I can’t deal with this.” McClung was arrested and also fired following the allegation.
In response to both events, Superintendent Meraz emphasized that authorities were immediately notified and that the district thoroughly screens all employees through background checks and reference verification. “Both incidents were reported by fellow staff members, which demonstrates the culture of accountability at Elgin,” he said.
Meraz added, “If there is reasonable concern during the hiring process, we will not employ someone. Once employed, anyone who harms a student will be terminated. Our top priority is ensuring a safe environment for all students at Elgin Public Schools.”
Sutton and McClung are scheduled to appear in court on May 20.
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