Investigation Reveals Unlawful Behavior by Former Assistant Teacher in Greenwood
Greenwood, SC – A former assistant teacher has been arrested following accusations of mistreating students at Lakeview Elementary School. Julie Gilbert, 43, from 107 Coosaw Run in Greenwood, surrendered to the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office early Wednesday morning after a thorough investigation by law enforcement.
What Happened?
The probe into Gilbert’s actions began after an incident was reported on April 30, when an employee at Lakeview Elementary alerted the sheriff’s office about questionable behavior involving a teacher’s aide in a classroom designed for special needs students. Surveillance footage reviewed by deputies revealed alarming conduct, showing the aide physically restraining a child in an inappropriate manner. The principal confirmed that physical restraint is only permissible under circumstances where a child’s safety is in jeopardy, which was not the case in this incident.
Details of the Investigation
Deputies reviewed the footage and noted Gilbert’s alleged misuse of physical restraint on multiple students. Instances included her “forcefully push, pull, and drag a student,” along with picking a child off a table and dropping him to the ground. One particularly troubling clip showed Gilbert wrapping her legs around a student’s head while he sat in a chair, an action that raised serious concerns about the welfare of vulnerable children in her care.
The investigation expanded as the sheriff’s office decided to look closely at interactions involving the aide. It soon identified several similar incidents involving four different students, prompting further inquiry into her practices. Parents of these children were invited to view the disturbing classroom footage, many expressing alarm over noticeable changes in their children’s behavior and a decrease in their desire to attend school.
Legal Consequences
As a result of the investigation, Gilbert now faces four counts of unlawful conduct toward a child. Capt. Josh Hood of the sheriff’s office revealed that Gilbert consulted with an attorney before voluntarily turning herself in to authorities. In her LinkedIn profile, she claimed to have a background working with special needs children, highlighting her responsibility to ensure a safe learning environment.
State of Affairs at School District
On learning of Gilbert’s actions, Greenwood School District 50 moved swiftly to address the issue. According to a statement from Director of Communications Johnathan Graves, Gilbert is no longer employed by the district. “This matter continues to be an ongoing investigation, and our district cannot comment further on matters involving personnel,” he stated. The school is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Community Response
The incident has left many in the Greenwood community concerned about the safety and well-being of their children in school settings. Parents have expressed outrage at the revelations, some stating that they had feared for their children’s safety and were relieved that law enforcement took action. The school district emphasized its commitment to ensuring a safe environment and maintaining open communication with families regarding student welfare.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging any parents with more information or similar experiences to come forward, reinforcing their focus on collective safety within schools.
