Lee Middle School Teacher Arrested for Child Abuse

Manatee County authorities arrested Judith Clark, 64, a sixth-grade teacher at Lee Middle School, on May 19 on a charge of child abuse without great bodily harm.

The arrest followed an investigation into a May 13 classroom incident. According to witness statements, Clark repeatedly asked her class who wanted to slap a student who continued talking despite her instructions to stop. When no one volunteered, she directed two students to close the blinds and instructed a third student to strike the victim. The student complied and slapped the victim across the face.

The 12-year-old who carried out the slap told detectives he feared disobeying Clark's order. Authorities did not charge him.

Deputies learned of the incident on May 14 and conducted multiple witness interviews. Detectives described the accounts as consistent. Clark remained in the Manatee County Jail after booking.

School administrators removed Clark from the classroom once the investigation began. Child abuse without great bodily harm is a third-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to five years in prison.