By Robert Chaiken, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Sheri Lyn Davis, a former Houston Charter School teacher, was formally charged with causing injury to a child for the April beating of a student in Davis’ classroom, while a fellow faculty member watched. Two of the school’s administrators, Principal David Jones and Superintendent Ollie Hilliard, and the other teacher, Gabriel Moseley, were indicted for neglecting to report abuse. The incident was captured on a student’s cell phone. The recording led to the firing of both teachers, Davis and Moseley. According to authorities, Davis, 40, repeatedly pummeled and kicked the victim, Isaiah Reagins, a 13-year-old child, after Reagins allegedly laughed at a mentally challenged student. The video recording shows Davis continuously slapping and kicking Reagins. If convicted, Jones, Hilliard, and Moseley could face up to one year in jail; Davis could get anywhere from 2-10 years in prison.
As to the indictments against the Jones, Hilliard, and Moseley, Christina Garza, a Harris County Sheriff’s spokesperson, said the message the department is trying to do send is to report any incidents of violence – especially one involving a student being kicked and slapped. The failure to do so is a crime. To read more on this story and to see actual footage of the recording see Houston Charter School teacher beats student, caught on tape.
School officials have a responsibility to protect the children attending their schools. Physical abuse upon a child should never be condoned or not taken seriously. If you have suspicions child abuse you should immediately report them to authorities so a criminal investigation can be pursued.