Three employees from Research Triangle Charter Academy have been taken into custody related to a child abuse case at the institution.
Legal documents reveal that an educator is facing allegations of causing significant harm to a 5-year-old child with a disability in late August.
The principal of the school and an additional staff member are reportedly facing allegations for purportedly concealing the abuse.
A representative from the school voiced surprise regarding the claims and stated that the institution is working alongside law enforcement.
The indictment reveals that Jeremy Whitley, during his time as a teacher, inflicted serious physical harm on the boy, resulting in numerous bruises on the chest, back, shoulders, and right arm, along with emotional distress.
Legal filings claim that Whitley seized the child by the back of his shirt, hoisted him up, and forcefully tossed him to the ground.
Whitley is charged with serious offenses related to child abuse and assault against an individual with a disability.
According to his LinkedIn profile, he served as an educator at Research Triangle Charter Academy.
Documents indicate that the attack took place on August 21. Charges have also been brought against two additional school employees, Melanie Stack and Nicole Scotto.
The charges allege that, in the aftermath of the event, both women provided misleading information to Durham Police throughout the inquiry.
They face allegations of not disclosing the abuse even though they were aware the child was suffering.
Melanie Stack, identified as the executive principal on the school’s website, has stepped down, and Nicole Scotto, the Dean of Special Education, is currently on administrative leave. Jeremy Whitley has parted ways with the school.
The representative from the school emphasized that due to privacy regulations and the current investigation, there are limitations on the information that can be disclosed, which includes details regarding communication with parents.