A South Mifflin Elementary School teacher, accused of hurting an autistic boy, has now been charged with endangering children.
After the February incident, Columbus City Schools gave the teacher a five day suspension and a written reprimand.
The boy’s parents say they were angry when the teacher went back to work.
Now that she has been charged, they say perhaps their son will get the justice he deserves.
Amatullah Shields says every time she thinks about what her 10-year-old son, Naquis, has gone through she gets angry all over again.
"I don't see her getting into any trouble. The worst that has happened to her is public humiliation,” said Amatullah Shields
Shields says her son, who is autistic, was hurt after South Mifflin Elementary School teacher, Courtney Plummer, placed him in a therapeutic body sock.
It's a stretchy sack often used for children who have sensory issues.
Her son was placed in the sock, with his coat and book bag. He lost his balance and fell over.
It's a form of therapy, Shields said, the school knew she did not want for her child.
"She violated protocols that were put in place for a special needs child, as a special needs teacher, but I am glad the officer saw that this was not an accident, said Shields
But she says the school district has yet to see it that way.
"We were basically told that they thought their ruling was fair, and I expressed my concerns that I thought it was unfair - because children services, and the police department, saw something different than what they were telling me."
10TV obtained a copy of the letter written by a Franklin County Children’s Services Supervisor.
The agency substantiated claims that Naquis was neglected by Courtney Plummer.
That letter was dated March 26, 2013
Plummer returned to work on April 10, 2013.
"Now that she has been criminally charged, maybe they will step up,” says Shields
Columbus City Schools says if school were in session, Plummer would be put on paid leave until the conclusion of the case.
Since she is on break for the summer, there is no action they can take at this time.
Plummer has a court appearance scheduled for later this month.
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Previous Stories:
April 11, 2013: Mother Says Allowing Principal, Teacher Back On The Job After Son Was Injured Sends Wrong Message - http://bit.ly/YOpqkX
April 10, 2013: Teacher, Principal Back On The Job After Being Suspended For Failing To Report Abuse - http://bit.ly/14cEAVb
March 21, 2013: Elementary School Principal, Teacher Suspended For Failing To Report Abuse - http://bit.ly/13guVws