OC teacher allegedly grabs student

An accusation of an Obion County teacher’s physically grabbing a student is being investigated by the Obion County Sheriff’s Department.
Obion County Sheriff Jerry Vastbinder confirmed Wednesday that the sheriff’s department is investigating a Friday incident at Obion County Central High School in which it is “alleged that a teacher physically grabbed a child.”
Vastbinder said the student’s parent called the sheriff’s department Saturday and at that time was advised to talk with the county’s director of schools and the school principal to inform them of the alleged incident. He said the parent talked with school officials Monday, then contacted the sheriff’s department and wanted to pursue the matter further. The sheriff’s department began its investigation Monday.
According to Vastbinder, the sheriff’s department has been interviewing students and has some additional interviews to conduct but should finish soon. He said once the investigation is complete, all of the information will be taken to the district attorney’s office for review to see if any criminal act was committed.
Vastbinder told The Messenger there were no physical injuries to the student.
He said no one has been charged in the alleged incident at this point. As a result, the name of the teacher has not been disclosed by the sheriff’s department since no charges have been filed so far in the investigation.
Obion County Director of Schools David Huss said he is aware of the accusation that was made against the teacher and knows the sheriff’s department is investigating the allegation. He said the school system has taken the teacher out of the “atmosphere” where the allegation was made at OCCHS but said the teacher’s removal is technically not a suspension.
“We’re trying to protect the teacher and the school while law enforcement does whatever needs to be done,” Huss said.
Published in The Messenger 1.17.08