A junior high school teacher in West Memphis, Arkansas, Kenneth Cauley, 29, was arrested on Thursday following accusations of a physical altercation with an 8th-grade student. Cauley, a teacher at Wonder Junior High, faces charges of third-degree battery and filing a false report.
The incident occurred on August 9th when Cauley confronted the student about vaping at school. The situation escalated, resulting in a physical confrontation. Cauley allegedly threatened the student, bumped him, and engaged in a tussle until another staff member intervened.
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Police reviewed video evidence of the incident, determining Cauley to be the aggressor. The videos reportedly captured Cauley using profanity, calling the student a “whiner,” and threatening him with a “whooping.”
The student was initially taken into juvenile custody but has since been released, and all charges against him have been dropped. Cauley has been placed on administrative leave by West Memphis Schools pending an internal investigation.
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The student’s mother, Caderia Watkins, expressed uncertainty about her son’s return to the school, citing concerns for his safety.
The West Memphis Police Department emphasized its commitment to a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure justice is served. The West Memphis School District reiterated its focus on student safety and its dedication to addressing the situation promptly and fairly.
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