The lead off A substitute teacher is facing felony charges after being accused of battering students at an elementary school in Fairmount Police say the investigation involved multiple student and parent statements collected during a school-based inquiry The suspect has been charged and released on bond pending an initial court appearance GRANT COUNTY IND. (WOWO) A substitute teacher at a Fairmount elementary school has been charged with multiple felonies following allegations that she battered several students, according to court records. Investigation begins at Park Elementary According to an affidavit for probable cause, the investigation began May 8 when Fairmount Police Department officers were called to Park Elementary School in the Madison-Grant United School Corporation to investigate reports of possible student battery involving a substitute teacher. Officers spoke with school administrators and parents of students who were involved in the initial complaint. Allegations detailed in court documents Court records state that parents reported the substitute teacher, identified as Debra Joyce Carter, allegedly grabbed children’s faces and poked a student in the stomach during class. Investigators also documented statements from students who described additional alleged conduct, including claims that the teacher: Pinched students’ faces Pushed a student’s glasses upward while speaking to them Used a loud bell that students said caused discomfort One of the more serious allegations involves a claim that Carter struck a student in the stomach with the back of her hand. Police noted the student had a recent surgical scar in that area according to Fox 59. Teacher’s statement to police In an interview with investigators, Carter denied physically touching any students inappropriately and stated she may have accidentally brushed against a student. She also acknowledged raising her voice in an effort to manage classroom behavior. Charges filed and arrest Court records show a warrant for Carter’s arrest was issued Friday and served Monday. She faces: Two counts of battery of a person under 14 years old One count of official misconduct All charges are Level 6 felonies. Bond was set at $1,000 cash, which was posted following her arrest. School district response The Madison-Grant United School Corporation has not publicly commented on the case as of the latest update. Forward outlook Carter is scheduled to appear for an initial hearing on June 12. If convicted, she could face up to 2.5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000 per charge. The takeaway A Fairmount substitute teacher has been charged with multiple felonies after allegations she physically confronted elementary school students at Park Elementary School. Court documents include conflicting accounts from students, parents, and the teacher, with investigators detailing alleged physical contact and classroom conduct concerns. The case is scheduled to proceed to an initial court hearing on June 12, with potential prison time and fines if convicted. The post Substitute teacher accused of battering students at Fairmount elementary school appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less