Two educators from Claxton Elementary School in Georgia have been arrested following a child abuse investigation. Tanesha E. Herrington, 47, a Pre-K teacher, faces eight counts of Cruelty to Children in the First Degree, while her paraprofessional, 37-year-old Courtney Anne Dutton, is charged with one count of Failure to Report Child Abuse, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) release.
The investigation began on Monday last week, after the Claxton Police Department requested GBI assistance following a tip. Authorities reviewed classroom surveillance footage showing Herrington allegedly striking, grabbing, and physically handling students. The incidents are believed to have occurred during both the current and previous school years.
Dutton was present during several of the incidents but did not report them as required by law. Investigators continue to review extensive video evidence, and additional charges may follow.
Anyone with information is urged to contact investigators through its tip line or mobile app. Once the investigation is complete, the case will be referred to the Atlantic Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
