A middle school teacher in Florida was arrested after she allegedly dragged a student out of her classroom by the arm in an incident caught on security cameras.
Fada Concepcion was arrested on Thursday, October 1, on suspicion of child abuse without great bodily harm following the alleged incident that took place on Tuesday, September 29, while she worked as a seventh-grade science teacher at Tuskawilla Middle School in Seminole County.
Investigators said that the confrontation between Concepcion, 52, and the student happened during third period. Concepcion allegedly grabbed the male student by the arm and pulled him roughly 20 feet from the classroom and into a hallway.
The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office said that authorities learned of the incident after the student reported it to school officials. They then reviewed surveillance footage and contacted law enforcement.
Concepcion later spoke to deputies and disputed the characterization of the incident, insisting she had “no recollection” of dragging the student. Instead, she said she simply escorted him from the classroom.
The teacher appeared in court on Friday, October 2, alongside her attorney, Tony Duran, who argued that the incident wasn’t severe enough to be considered child abuse.
“The student was misbehaving, and my client used the word ‘escorting’ … the detective used the words ‘drag,’” the attorney said, according to FOX 35 Orlando.
“Basically, grabbed the child by the arm and took him out of the classroom – and there’s no indication in this probable cause affidavit that the student was injured in any way, no bruising on the arm, no other type of injury,” Duran continued. “Child abuse requires more than just touching a child.”
Despite the attorney’s argument, a judge found probable cause for the case to proceed. However, the judge did reduce Concepcion’s bond from $5,000 to $1,000.
Additionally, Concepcion was barred from contacting the student, and she is not allowed to return to Tuskawilla Middle School.
As she left the courtroom, Concepcion gave her attorney a thumbs-up following the bond ruling, per FOX 35 Orlando.
Seminole County Public Schools has since placed Concepcion on administrative leave as the investigation continues.
“We take all allegations involving our students’ safety and well-being seriously and will respond quickly,” a district spokesperson said in a statement. “This teacher is currently on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement and the Office of Professional Standards in accordance with district policies and procedures.”
It is not currently clear whether Concepcion has entered a plea in the case. Duran did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comment regarding the case.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
