A therapist in Tennessee was arrested after she allegedly attacked a 5-year-old boy with special needs with a lunchbox during the school day after she was assigned to help him.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Department announced that Jennifer Reynolds has been charged with aggravated child abuse following the incident that took place on October 6.
Authorities said that Reynolds, 54, was working at Rhea Elementary School in Paris, Tennessee, when she allegedly used a “hard lunchbox” to hit the boy on the right side of his face. It’s not currently clear what events led to the alleged attack.
The student’s parents were immediately notified after the incident, according to WBBJ.
After Reynold allegedly assaulted the student, she was escorted off campus, and the boy was taken to the school nurse to be evaluated.
“The school has seemed to be right on top of everything, so as far as him returning back to Rhea, we do feel comfortable with that,” the student’s mother, Emily Dotson, told WBBJ. “We will no longer be using that ABA company moving forward.”
An ABA therapist works one-on-one with individuals, often children with special needs, and uses Applied Behavior Analysis to help them build life skills. In light of her arrest, it’s been confirmed that Reynolds is an ABA therapist who was assigned to help the boy she allegedly hit, per the outlet.
The student’s mother also explained why her son was working with a therapist while speaking to the TV news station.
“Just to help him at school, somebody to be on his side and to help him with any behaviors or anxiety he might have during the day,” she said of Reynolds’ role.
The mother did not share any update about her son’s injuries following the attack.
Reynolds was arrested on October 8, two days after the incident. She was released just hours after being taken into custody when she posted bond.
The defendant is next scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, October 20, regarding the charges.
It’s not currently clear whether Reynolds has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following her arrest. The Henry County Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comment regarding updates in the case.
The investigation into the case remains ongoing as authorities work to learn what happened.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
