Two female educators from the same Oklahoma school district have been arrested and charged with misdemeanors following allegations of physically assaulting children in their care. The incidents, which occurred within the Elgin Public School District, have led to the termination of both women and sparked a local investigation.
Details of the Alleged Assaults
Elizabeth Kay Sutton, a 38-year-old teacher's aide from Elgin, is accused of attacking a 10-year-old boy on January 8. According to police affidavits and surveillance footage reviewed by The Lawton Constitution, Sutton allegedly yanked the child back into his seat and struck him in the face, causing his head to snap back. The boy's teacher later reported noticing a red mark on his face after lunch.
Sutton told authorities that the student had "been difficult" since returning from break and was attempting to climb on a table. She claimed to have used a technique taught during her training to become a teacher's aide and insisted she did not intend to harm the child. Despite this, Sutton was fired from her position after only five months of employment.
Second Incident Involving a Chokehold
In a separate case, Ottoria McClung, a 37-year-old personal care assistant also from Elgin, was arrested on March 13. McClung is alleged to have carried a five-year-old student in a chokehold down a school hallway. Following the incident, she was suspended and subsequently terminated from her job at the district.
Legal Proceedings and Court Appearances
Both women have faced initial court hearings in Comanche County District Court. Sutton pleaded not guilty last week and was released on a $500 cash bond. McClung was released on a $1,000 own recognizance bond. Their next court date is scheduled for May 20, where further proceedings will determine the outcome of the misdemeanor charges.
The Elgin Public School District has not publicly commented on the arrests, though The Daily Mail has reached out for statements from the district, Sutton, and McClung. The cases highlight ongoing concerns about student safety and educator conduct in schools, prompting discussions about training and oversight protocols.
