Honk News (Silver City, NM) – A teacher and coach at a Silver City Middle School remains employed despite facing charges of child abuse and battery earlier this month. The Public Education Department of New Mexico is currently investigating the matter.
At the beginning of January, authorities in Silver City took Michael Lopez Sr. into custody. Court documents reveal that he had been consuming alcohol and became angry with his son. Authorities reported that the dispute intensified when Lopez Senior hurled a bassinette at his son, striking his 18-month-old grandson on the cheek. He faced allegations of using his pointer finger to hit another witness on the forehead.
Authorities indicated that the evidence gathered warranted his arrest on charges of child abuse and battery. The educator and coach continues to work at Silver City Consolidated Schools. The school issued a statement.
The district is aware of the situation you referenced. This matter is a personal issue unrelated to his employment, duties or responsibilities within the district and not associated with students. The district takes all matters involving staff seriously and follows established policies and procedures to ensure a thorough review. However, as this is a personal matter, it is not within the district’s purview to discuss or disclose details. Personnel matters are confidential, so we cannot comment further on any potential actions.
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In the meantime, a report concerning possible misconduct involving Lopez has been submitted to the Public Education Department. A statement was issued by them:
“The PED received a report of potential educator misconduct in this matter on January 7, 2025, and its investigation into potential disciplinary action against the educator’s PED-issued licensure is pending and ongoing.”