A former Cumberland County Schools teacher assistant was arrested Thursday and charged with assaulting a person with a disability, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office said.
Brittany Nicole McKoy was employed with Cumberland County Schools at the time of the alleged assault, the Sheriff’s Office said in a release.
Sgt. Mickey Locklear, a spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office, said the incident took place on Dec. 9 and involved a student.
At the time, McKoy worked as an exceptional children’s support assistant at Pine Forest High School, according to the school system. Exceptional Children’s Services works with students with disabilities, the school system’s website states.
“We are deeply concerned about these allegations, which do not reflect the professionalism and integrity of the many good people who work hard on behalf of our students every day,’’ Lindsay Whitley, a spokesman for the school system, said in a statement. “Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of our students and staff.’’
Whitley said the district conducts background checks before hiring employees. Employees also are reminded of district procedures and expectations during the annual Employee Handbook review period, he said.
“District officials will continue to cooperate with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office as they lead this investigation, Whitley said.
Prior to working at Pine Forest, McKoy had worked as a teacher assistant and bus driver at Howard Hall Elementary School, the school system said. She worked there from Feb. 19, 2020, to Dec. 16, 2021, and from Feb. 3 to May 20.
She began working at Pine Forest on Sept. 15, the school system said. She was suspended with pay on Dec. 12-13, and she resigned Dec. 13, the school system said.
McKoy was taken to the Cumberland County Detention Center and processed . She was released on a $5,000 unsecured bond, the release said.
She is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. on Feb. 2.
Anyone who has information about this investigation is asked to contact special victims detective S. Odenwelder at 910-677-5477 or Crimestoppers at 910-483-TIPS (8477).
Your support helps ensure a more informed community. Donate today.
