An Edgecombe County school staffer resigned on Wednesday after being accused of repeatedly shoving a 5-year-old student during school hours, according to sheriff's investigators. The employee was arrested June 9, later released on bond and, according to the district, had been suspended with pay since May 19 before resigning effective June 10. The allegation prompted a forensic interview of the child as deputies continued their probe.
According to the Charlotte Observer, the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office said in a June 9 news release that the alleged assault happened during school hours. After a forensic interview, a school resource officer charged Diahanna Lynn Woods with "assault on a child under 12." The paper identifies Woods as a 53-year-old staffer at Princeville Elementary.
What the warrant alleges
An arrest warrant alleges Woods shoved the 5-year-old in the chest area and pulled her by the arms multiple times. WRAL reported that Woods was arrested June 9, released on an unsecured bond and is scheduled to appear in Edgecombe County court on July 2.
School response and personnel status
Edgecombe County Public Schools told reporters that Woods was suspended with pay on May 19 and resigned from ECPS effective June 10, as reported by the Charlotte Observer. Citing North Carolina law, officials said personnel matters are confidential and declined further comment while the investigation remains active.
Small campus, big impact
Princeville Elementary enrolls roughly 200 students in pre-K through fifth grade, which means an allegation like this lands hard in a close-knit school community. Public School Review lists Princeville's enrollment at about 207 students.
Charges and next steps
Woods, 53, faces a charge of assault on a child under 12 and is expected to appear in court July 2 at 8:55 a.m., according to WRAL. Prosecutors will review the investigation before deciding whether to file additional charges, and the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate.
