Florida Science Teacher Arrested After Allegedly Dragging Seventh-Grader From Classroom
Florida teacher Fada Concepcion is shown in this undated photo. Concepcion was arrested after being accused of dragging a seventh-grade student out of a classroom.
A veteran Florida middle school teacher has been arrested after authorities say school surveillance footage captured her pulling a seventh-grade student from his desk and dragging him approximately 20 feet into a hallway.
Fada Concepcion, 52, a science teacher at Tuskawilla Middle School in Seminole County, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of child abuse without great bodily harm in connection with the September 29 incident.
Concepcion, who has worked for Seminole County Public Schools for 29 years, disputes the allegation and says she was simply escorting the student out of class.
School Officials Reviewed Surveillance Footage
Tuskawilla Middle School is pictured in Oviedo, Florida. A Florida teacher was arrested after being accused of dragging a seventh-grade student out of a classroom. Google Maps
Investigators say the confrontation occurred during third period.
According to authorities, Concepcion allegedly grabbed the student by the arm and pulled or dragged him from his desk, through the classroom and approximately 20 feet into an exterior hallway.
The student later reported what happened to school officials. Administrators reviewed surveillance footage before contacting law enforcement.
The footage itself has not been publicly released.
When deputies questioned Concepcion, she reportedly said she had “no recollection” of dragging the student and maintained that she had escorted him from the room.
Defense Disputes Child Abuse Allegation
Fada Concepcion, far right, a Florida teacher accused of dragging a seventh-grade student out of a classroom, is pictured. FOX NEWS
During a Friday court appearance, Concepcion’s attorney argued that her alleged actions did not amount to child abuse.
The defense acknowledged that the teacher grabbed the student by the arm and removed him from the classroom but emphasized the disagreement over whether he was “dragged” or “escorted.”
Her attorney also argued that the probable cause affidavit did not indicate that the student suffered bruising or another physical injury.
The judge nevertheless found probable cause for the case to continue.
Concepcion’s bond was reduced from $5,000 to $1,000, and she was ordered to have no contact with the student. She is also prohibited from returning to Tuskawilla Middle School.
After the bond decision, Concepcion reportedly gave her attorney a double thumbs-up before leaving the courtroom.
Teacher Placed on Administrative Leave
Seminole County Public Schools has placed Concepcion on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
The district said it takes allegations involving student safety and well-being seriously and is cooperating with law enforcement and its Office of Professional Standards.
Concepcion is scheduled to return to court in November.
Her attorney, Tony Duran, declined to comment further because the case remains pending.