COVINGTON, La. — The Covington Police Department arrested a teacher and a paraprofessional for cruelty to a juvenile.
Police say the incident happened last Tuesday at E. E. Lyon Elementary School in Covington.
A camera inside a Students with Exceptionalities classroom captured 44-year-old Catherine Mumphrey and 71-year-old Lauren Brenckle "engaged in what amounted to battery" on a student with disabilities.
Covington PD says that Mumphrey and Brenckle are no longer school system employees. Both are facing a felony cruelty to juveniles charge.
"The Covington Police Department is committed to protecting the safety and well-being of all children in our community," said Chief Michael Ferrell. "We take allegations of abuse against children very seriously and will thoroughly investigate any such claims."
WWL Louisiana contacted Covington PD to see if they would release the video. They responded by saying, "Because the incident involves a juvenile, we will not be releasing any further information at this time."
Last month, another paraprofessional working at E. E. Lyon Elementary School was arrested after a complaint of cruelty to juveniles. Police say that this incident is not related.
"Student safety is our top priority, and this type of behavior is absolutely unacceptable," said St. Tammany Parish Public School Superintendent Frank Jabbia. "We took immediate and appropriate action in this situation and are committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment in our schools for all of our students."
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