Columbia Teacher Arrested for Assaulting Students
Columbia, SC – A teacher from a local school has been arrested for allegedly assaulting two students this year, according to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Jermaine Cornelius Singletary, 51, faces two counts of third-degree assault and battery following incidents that occurred months apart at Irmo Middle School.
What Happened?
Singletary is accused of striking a student in March after mistakenly believing the student had touched his head. Months later, in October, he allegedly hit another student when the student retrieved a piece of an assignment that Singletary had thrown away. Neither incident was reported to school administrators, raising serious concerns over the safety and reporting protocols within the school environment.
Where and When?
Irmo Middle School, where Singletary is employed, is located on Wesctott Road, near the intersection with St. Andrews Road in Columbia, SC. The incidents reportedly occurred this year, with the first attack occurring in March and the second one in October.
Why Did This Happen?
According to the sheriff’s department, the assaults stemmed from Singletary’s reaction to perceived disrespect from the students. In response to these events, the school district has stated that they received notification of the incidents and are cooperating fully with law enforcement in their investigation. The district has placed Singletary on administrative leave while the investigation proceeds.
Status of the Arrest
Singletary turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday morning and has been booked into the Lexington County Detention Center. As of now, no bond has been set, and he remains in custody. A bond hearing is expected to determine further proceedings, with Singletary scheduled to appear in court on November 19.
Potential Consequences
If convicted on the misdemeanor assault and battery charges, Singletary could face a maximum punishment of 30 days behind bars and a fine of up to $500 for each count, according to South Carolina law. However, details surrounding potential consequences for his teaching certification and employment status within the Lexington-Richland 5 school district remain unclear.
Official Response
The Lexington-Richland 5 school district issued a statement confirming they were informed of the situation and are cooperating with local authorities. They emphasized their commitment to ensuring student safety and handling incidents of this nature seriously.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into Singletary’s actions is ongoing, and as it unfolds, more details are expected to emerge. Parents and community members are encouraged to stay informed and remain vigilant regarding the safety of students at the school.
This situation serves as a crucial reminder of the responsibility teachers have in creating a safe and respectful environment for their students. The community anticipates clear updates as the investigation progresses.
