A Hillsborough County, Florida, special education professional was arrested Monday after allegedly punching an autistic 9-year-old student, according to law enforcement officials.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said 39-year-old Prechae Rodriguez, who works at Eisenhower Exceptional Center as a behavioral support teacher, was arrested for physically abusing a non-verbal student with autism, FOX 13 in Tampa reported.
Investigators learned of the incident on Feb. 8, in which the student hit Rodriguez with his hand.
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In response to being hit, Rodriguez allegedly punched the 9-year-old in the face, causing the child to fall to the ground.
Rodriguez has been charged with a single count of child abuse.
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"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," Hillsborough County 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 added.
County jail records show Rodriguez was arrested at his residence. He was released on Tuesday morning after posting $2,500 bail.
The investigation into the matter is ongoing.
