Melvin McClain, a teacher at Conyers Middle School in Georgia, has been charged with one count of simple battery and three counts of cruelty to children after surveillance video allegedly showed him striking a 13-year-old student more than 20 times. The footage reportedly shows McClain grabbing the student by the neck, clearing other pupils from the room, and then carrying out the assault. McClain — once named 'Teacher of the Year' — has called the incident 'horseplay'; the case is now pending in Georgia courts.
Former 'Teacher of the Year' Charged After Alleged Beating of 13-Year-Old Caught on School Video
Brickbat: Some Horseplay
Melvin McClain, a teacher at Conyers Middle School in Conyers, Georgia, has been charged after school surveillance footage allegedly showed him striking a 13-year-old student more than 20 times.
What Happened
Prosecutors say McClain faces one count of simple battery and three counts of cruelty to children. School surveillance video reportedly shows McClain grabbing the boy by the neck, clearing other students from the classroom and then striking the student repeatedly in the head and stomach.
Context
McClain was previously recognized as the school's 'Teacher of the Year.' He has described the episode as 'horseplay,' while authorities have pursued criminal charges based on the footage and alleged injuries.
Next Steps
The matter is pending in the Georgia courts. School officials and local authorities have not publicly detailed any disciplinary actions or a trial date as of this report.
Note: These are allegations based on statements from authorities and surveillance footage. McClain is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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