Lexington County Teacher Charged After Allegedly Striking Students, Placed on Leave
LEXINGTON COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA — A Nursery Road Elementary School special education teacher has been placed on administrative leave after her arrest on assault charges stemming from allegations she used physical discipline against her students.
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Sharon Sweatt, an employee of Lexington-Richland School District Five, was arrested on October 30 and charged with third-degree assault.
Allegations of Inappropriate Physical Discipline
Documents from the sheriff’s department reveal that on October 17, the school’s principal and two aides reported an earlier incident involving Sweatt. One aide told investigators they saw Sweatt “pop” children on the hand or behind as a form of discipline, defining it as a slap or spanking loud enough to be heard across the classroom.
In another instance, the aide said she heard a slapping sound and a child screaming from the adjoining classroom. A separate episode reportedly occurred when a student began hitting, kicking, and biting Sweatt — and the aide claimed Sweatt responded by “popping the student in the face” to stop the attack.
Additional Reports From Classroom Staff
A second aide described similar behavior, calling it “smacking.” This aide told deputies that Sweatt would strike students to stop them from climbing on furniture or disobeying directions.
On October 15, the aide alleged, a student became physically aggressive, and Sweatt grabbed the child by the belt loop and tossed them onto the carpeted floor to regain control of the classroom.
The reports prompted law enforcement review and parent notification. One parent later told deputies they would press charges if investigators found probable cause.
District and Law Enforcement Response
Sweatt was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center and later released on bond. Following her arrest, the school district confirmed that she had been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.
In a statement to WIS News, district officials said:
“School District Five of Lexington & Richland Counties is aware of allegations against a teacher at Nursery Road Elementary School. The teacher has been placed on administrative leave. School District Five is cooperating with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department in their investigation, but because of the ongoing investigation, the district will have no further comment at this time.”
Investigation Ongoing
Deputies said the alleged incidents occurred as recently as mid-October, though the investigation remains open. Sweatt continues to face a misdemeanor assault charge, and district officials have not announced whether she will face further disciplinary action.
As the Lexington County community awaits updates on this case, local educators and parents are calling for greater transparency in how student safety incidents are handled within classrooms. For more developments on education and community news across South Carolina, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.