Hillsborough teacher accused of punching 9-year-old with autism

Nathaniel Rodriguez
·1 min read
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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Hillsborough County teacher was arrested Monday after allegedly attacking a 9-year-old with special needs, according to deputies.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said on Feb. 8, a nonverbal autistic student at the Eisenhower Exceptional Center hit Prechae Rodriguez, 39, a behavior support teacher at the school.

In response, Rodriguez punched the child to the ground, investigators said.

“I am disgusted by the actions of this individual who was not only in a position of authority and trust but was given the responsibility to protect our most vulnerable,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “No child, under any circumstance, should be subject to this level of violence. There is no place for the abuse of children in our schools or in our community, and our detectives will continue to work to ensure that all of our students are protected.”

The sheriff’s office said Rodriguez faced a charge of child abuse.

According to Hillsborough County Public Schools, Rodriguez was fired from the school.

“Mr. Rodriguez was removed from the school while the investigation was going on and has now been terminated from the school district,” the school district said. “We are deeply disturbed by the charges. The safety and wellbeing of our students is our top priority. He has had no other issues.”

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