Police: Teacher’s assistant charged for slapping special needs student

She was only employed by the Cherokee County School District for just over a year.
Published: Mar. 23, 2025 at 3:54 PM EDT|Updated: Mar. 24, 2025 at 8:49 AM EDT
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GAFFNEY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Officers with the Gaffney Police Department said a teacher’s assistant has been charged for slapping a special needs student on the head.

Police said Sarah Jane Johnson, 21, was charged with cruelty to children and released on a $2,500 surety bond.

The Gaffney Police Department reports charging a former teacher's assistant after she slapped...
The Gaffney Police Department reports charging a former teacher's assistant after she slapped a 17-year-old on the head.(Gaffney Police Department)

Staff at Gaffney High School saw Johnson slapping a 17-year-old boy’s head, according to officers.

Police said Johnson, who had been employed with the Cherokee County School District for just over a year, submitted her resignation and turned herself in at 12:30 p.m. on Friday before being released.

Cherokee County School District released the following statement: