A Florida middle school teacher has been arrested after allegedly dragging a seventh-grade student by the arm from his desk into a hallway, according to authorities. Fada Concepcion, 52, a science teacher at Tuskawilla Middle School in Seminole County, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of child abuse without great bodily harm following the incident that occurred on September 29.
Investigators reported that the confrontation took place during third period when Concepcion allegedly pulled the student approximately 20 feet from the classroom into an exterior hallway. The student later informed school officials about the incident, prompting a review of surveillance footage and a report to law enforcement, as stated by the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.
When questioned by deputies, Concepcion disputed the characterization of the incident, claiming she had “no recollection” of dragging the student and asserting that she had merely escorted him out of the classroom.
An attorney representing Concepcion, who has been employed by Seminole County Public Schools for 29 years, argued in court that the incident did not constitute child abuse. “The student was misbehaving, and my client used the word ‘escorting’… the detective used the words ‘drag’,” the attorney stated, as reported by FOX 35 Orlando.
The attorney further emphasized that there was no indication of injury to the student, noting the absence of bruising or other types of harm. “Child abuse requires more than just touching a child,” he added.
A judge found probable cause for the case to proceed and reduced Concepcion’s bond from $5,000 to $1,000. She has been barred from contacting the student and from returning to Tuskawilla Middle School. Following the bond ruling, Concepcion reportedly flashed a double thumbs-up to her attorney before leaving the courtroom.
Seminole County Public Schools has placed Concepcion on administrative leave pending the investigation. A district spokesperson stated, “We take all allegations involving our students’ safety and well-being seriously and will respond quickly.” The spokesperson confirmed that the teacher is on administrative leave while cooperating with law enforcement and the Office of Professional Standards.
Surveillance footage of the incident has not yet been released. Concepcion is scheduled to appear in court again in November. Her attorney, Tony Duran, declined to comment on the pending litigation.