A gym instructor from a Baker County school is now in custody following allegations made by deputies. recorded one of his students to a chair.
The event occurred at Westside Elementary School.
The arrest report for the teacher indicates that everything began when a student was messing around with a roll of tape, prompting the coach to ask them to cease. The document further notes that the situation escalated when another student attempted to assist the girl, which made the coach angry.
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Police said the coach admitted to taping the child during gym period, but claimed he did it one time jokingly, and that he didn’t think it was a big deal.
The individual from Glen St. Mary was apprehended on Thursday evening.
The Baker County Sheriff’s Office arrest report indicates that although the girl’s arms weren’t secured with tape, she still couldn't break loose and was "fighting for about 30 seconds."
The victim described it as "duct tape," however, according to the report, Waite couldn’t verify if it was clear office tape or a broader clear packaging tape.
Waite has been accused of child abuse without significant bodily harm.
Read: A Clay County family is pursuing legal recourse against the school district due to allegations of hazing.
According to a statement issued by the Baker County School District, they said in part: "We are thoroughly collaborating with the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, carrying out an independent internal review, and adhering strictly to all relevant school district protocols concerning this issue."
Action News Jax spoke with a seasoned district staff member residing near Westside Elementary School.
"It’s unbelievable that such an incident could occur in our educational institutions. My kids attended these schools. When I was young, I also studied in the Baker County school system. Throughout my experience, we only encountered favorable outcomes from the school system," stated Lynette Griffis.
The child mentioned she could still breathe despite being covered with tape, and she hadn't been injured. However, her fear grew when it became evident that the coach had no intention of removing the tape.
Action News Jax spoke with a seasoned district staff member residing across from Westside Elementary School.
"It’s unbelievable that such an incident could occur within our educational institutions. Both my kids attended these schools, as did I back when I was young. Throughout all those years, we've always had nothing but good experiences with the Baker County school system," stated Lynette Griffis.
The girl stated that she could still breathe despite being taped up, and she hadn't been injured, but she became frightened when it was evident that the coach had no intention of removing the tape.
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