RICHLANDS, VA (LOOTPRESS) – A special education teacher at Richlands Elementary School has been charged with child abuse and abduction after allegations surfaced regarding her treatment of a five-year-old student.
According to the Richlands Police Department, school employees reported concerns to the Department of Social Services on February 7.
Police were notified on February 10 and immediately began investigating with the assistance of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
During interviews with school employees and witnesses, police determined that Jessica McCoy, 41, of Richlands, had allegedly assaulted and abducted a young male student.
Witnesses reported seeing McCoy tape the child to a desk for extended periods between February 4 and February 7.
McCoy has been charged with two counts of abduction and two counts of cruelty to a child. She is currently being held without bond.
Investigators from the Richlands Police Department and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate, and additional charges may be possible.
Lieutenant Greg Layne is leading the case and is seeking any additional information from the public.
Richlands Police Chief Ronald D. Holt II condemned McCoy’s alleged actions.
“As the husband of an educator, I know just how much most teachers care for their students. They understand the weight of their duties and the trust that we place in them to care for our children. Jessica McCoy violated that trust. This child deserved better. His family deserved better,” Holt said.
“While we cannot undo the harm that befell him, we can do everything in our power to assure that justice is delivered in this case. I would like to thank the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, and Commonwealth Attorney, Chris Plaster, for personally helping with the investigation.”
