Riverdale teacher caught on camera using force against a kindergartner charged with child endangerment

6/2/2014
BLADE STAFF

MOUNT BLANCHARD, Ohio - A Riverdale School District teacher caught on camera using force against a kindergartner has been charged with child endangerment, which is a misdemeanor.

Barb Williams was charged in Findlay Municipal Court. Ms. Williams, who has been a teacher in the district for 15 years, was seen being pushing around 6-year-old Ian Nelson on May 7 in school surveillance footage. The video, which showed her confronting the student, pushing him against a wall, and then lifting him up by his shirt and face, went viral and gained national attention.

According to a summary report of the incident written May 8 by Julie Spade, the elementary school’s principal, three cooks provided information about the incident that they overheard while on their break.

They reported hearing Ms. Williams “speaking very harshly” to the boy, and wrote down statements that they heard her say, including “I am sick of you,” “I am sick of your parents,” and “I will rip you apart.”

Ms. Williams was suspended for 10 days beginning May 14 and will not return to the classroom this school year. Child endangerment is a misdemeanor of the first degree, which carries a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. The charge was filed on Friday.

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