A teacher at Maplewood Elementary in Greeley has been taken into custody on charges of assaulting a six-year-old student. The incident came to light on August 30th when school district officials informed local authorities about the alleged altercation between 40-year-old Joshua David Wainscott and a student. As reported by KDVR, officers from the Greeley School Resource team were notified directly by administrators and security from the Greeley-Evans School District 6.
After the allegations, Wainscott was placed on administrative leave. He is the Library Media Teacher and has been part of the Greeley-Evans School District since August 4, 2008. A letter sent to parents emphasized the district's prioritization of student and staff safety, stating, "We take these allegations very seriously and deeply regret any emotional or physical harm to a child under our care," according to 9News. The letter further pledged not to provide details that could impact the police investigation or potential prosecution, out of protection for the child involved.
Wainscott's arrest followed a nearly two-week investigation before the Greeley-Evans School District decided to suspend him from his duties. As the Denver Post reports, police have pressed charges against the teacher. The nature of the assault has been described as strangulation, elevating the severity of the case.
In their responses to the incident, district officials have been cooperating with the police to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted. A spokesperson for the Greeley Police Department stressed the importance of due process, acknowledging the sensitivity of such cases that involve minors. As the legal proceedings against Wainscott continue, the community awaits clarity on the full extent of the event that took place inside the walls of Maplewood Elementary.
