NORTH CAROLINA — Three employees at an elementary school in Swain County have been arrested following an investigation into the alleged abuse of a disabled student.
According to the Swain County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began after Swain County Schools Superintendent Mark Sale received a report alleging that employees were mistreating a student at East Swain Elementary School. Sheriff Brian Kirkland described the allegations as “deeply concerning.”
Deputies with the Swain County Sheriff’s Office and agents from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation conducted an investigation that led to the arrests of three individuals.
Donita Waldroup Guest was charged with two counts of felonious assault on a person with a disability, felony second-degree kidnapping, and four counts of misdemeanor assault on a disabled person. Authorities said she was denied bond.
Melody Stroupe Cloer, 46, was charged with felonious assault on an individual with a disability. Her bond was set at $25,000. According to arrest warrants, Cloer is accused of prying the child’s mouth open and force-feeding them.
Kathryn McKenna Shaver was charged with misdemeanor assault on an individual with a disability. Her bond was set at $3,000.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to contact the Swain County Sheriff’s Office at (828) 488-0159.
