SWAIN COUNTY, NC (LOOTPRESS) – Three employees at Swain East Elementary School have been charged following an investigation into the treatment of a student with a disability, according to the Swain County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the sheriff’s office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation began investigating after receiving a report from the Swain County Public Schools superintendent regarding the alleged treatment of the student.
As a result of the investigation, deputies arrested Donita Waldroup Guest, Melody Stroupe Cloer and Kathryn McKenna Shaver.
Guest faces two counts of felony assault on an individual with a disability, one count of felony second-degree kidnapping and four counts of misdemeanor assault on an individual with a disability. According to the sheriff’s office, Guest is being held without bond.
Cloer has been charged with one count of felony assault on an individual with a disability. Authorities said her bond was set at $25,000.
Shaver is charged with one count of misdemeanor assault on an individual with a disability. The sheriff’s office said her bond was set at $3,000.
Swain County Sheriff Brian Kirkland addressed the allegations in a statement posted on Facebook.
“These allegations are deeply concerning, particularly when they involve the safety and well-being of children in our community,” Kirkland said. “We take all reports of abuse seriously, and we are committed to conducting thorough investigations to ensure accountability and protect the most vulnerable among us.”
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and that no additional details will be released at this time.
