Back-to-back incidents at an Oklahoma elementary school have led to criminal charges against two employees accused of using force on young children, according to court records and officials.
According to Fox News, the alleged encounters happened weeks apart at Elgin Elementary School in Elgin, Oklahoma, prompting police involvement in each case.
Both workers have since been fired.
Authorities say Elizabeth Kay Sutton, 38, a classroom aide, was the first to be charged.
Investigators responded to the school on Jan. 8 after Principal Gabe Winn reported concerns about an incident involving a 10-year-old boy.
According to a probable cause affidavit cited by The Lawton Constitution, Sutton allegedly grabbed the child, pulled him back into his seat, and struck him in the face.
A witness told administrators the boy had attempted to stand up when Sutton yanked him back and appeared to hit him after releasing his arm.
Security footage reviewed by police reportedly showed Sutton swinging her arm toward the child’s face, with the boy’s head snapping back. His teacher later noticed a red mark when he returned to class.
Sutton told investigators the student “had been difficult since returning back to school after the break” and had tried to leave and climb onto a table. She said she used a hold she had been taught and insisted she did not intend to harm him.
Sutton, who had worked for the district for about five months, was terminated on Jan. 15, according to Superintendent Nate Meraz.
She has pleaded not guilty and is free on a $500 bond. Her next court date is scheduled for May 20.
Weeks later, another incident led to charges against Ottoria Rose McClung, 37, a personal care assistant at the same school.
McClung is accused of carrying a 5-year-old student in a chokehold down a hallway on March 13, with her arm wrapped around the child’s neck.
A witness told police the boy was crying, his face red, and he was hitting McClung’s arm while she allegedly said, “I can’t deal with this,” according to reports.
McClung was also fired and charged with misdemeanor assault and battery. She is free on bond and is expected in court on May 20.
Superintendent Nate Meraz confirmed both employees were dismissed following the incidents.
“The support employee was terminated in accordance with school policy. All of the appropriate authorities were notified immediately,” Meraz said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
He emphasized that staff members are trained throughout the year and that any employee who harms a student will be removed.
“We are tasked to educate kids in a safe environment and will continue to train staff toward that end,” he said. “Elgin Public Schools’ highest priority is the safety and well-being of its students.”
