Teacher tapes student to chair ‘as a joke’ while other teacher took video, Ohio cops say
A 15-year-old student was taped to a chair “as a joke” while another teacher took a video, Ohio cops say. Both teachers are now facing criminal charges.
Rachel Smith and Allison Vestring were charged with unlawful restraint. Vestring pleaded not guilty while Smith is awaiting arraignment, according to court records.
Attorney information for the two teachers was not listed.
The investigation found the Batavia student had Down syndrome, WLWT reported.
Vestring taped the West Clermont High School student to the chair while Smith filmed the incident, according to WLWT.
The student was taped to the chair for “a few minutes” and was not injured, police told WXIX.
The 46-second video found on Smith’s phone showed the student asking the teachers to stop, WLWT reported.
Administrators learned of the incident three days later and contacted child protective services and law enforcement officials, WKRC reported.
West Clermont High School did not immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for comment.
A school spokesperson said both teachers were placed on administrative leave and then terminated, according to WXIX.
Smith is scheduled to appear in court on April 2. Vestring’s next court date is scheduled for April 16.
Batavia is about a 25-mile drive east from Cincinnati.
This story was originally published March 27, 2024 at 12:14 PM with the headline "Teacher tapes student to chair ‘as a joke’ while other teacher took video, Ohio cops say."
