Three people have been arrested following a joint investigation into allegations involving employees at East Swain Elementary School Tuesday, said Swain County Sheriff Brian Kirkland.
The investigation began after the superintendent of Swain County Public Schools reported concerns about the treatment of a student with a disability. Detectives with the Swain County Sheriff’s Office worked with agents from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to review the allegations.
As a result of the investigation:
Donita Waldroup Guest was charged with two counts of felony assault on an individual with a disability, one count of felony second-degree kidnapping and four counts of misdemeanor assault on an individual with a disability. She is being held without bond.
Melody Stroupe Cloer was charged with one count of felony assault on an individual with a disability. Her bond was set at $25,000.
Kathryn McKenna Shaver was charged with one count of misdemeanor assault on an individual with a disability. Her bond was set at $3,000.
“These allegations are deeply concerning, particularly when they involve the safety and well-being of children in our community,” Kirkland said. “We take all reports of abuse seriously and are committed to conducting thorough investigations to ensure accountability and protect the most vulnerable among us.”
The sheriff’s office said Swain County Schools officials cooperated fully with the investigation.
According to Mark Sale, Superintendent of Swain County Schools, all three employees are on leave pending further investigation.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For more information, contact the Swain County Sheriff’s Office at 828-488-0159.