CrimeAutismKentuckyteacher

Video Shows Kentucky Teacher Dragging 9-Year-Old With Autism Through School

Trina Abrams is facing criminal charges in connection with the incident, police said.
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By 

Senior Crime Reporter, HuffPost

A Kentucky teacher, under investigation after a video appeared to show her dragging a 9-year-old student with autism down a hallway by his wrists, has been terminated and ordered to appear in court.

Trina Abrams is facing a charge of fourth-degree assault of a victim under 12 years old, Kentucky State Police Senior Trooper David Boarman confirmed to HuffPost on Tuesday.

The former special needs teacher has also been fired by the Greenup County School District, according to a statement obtained by WSAZ-TV.

The incident ― recorded by security cameras ― reportedly occurred at Wurtland Elementary School in October.

Disturbing video footage, uploaded Dec. 6 to Facebook, purports to show Abrams dragging the student down multiple school hallways. Police reportedly measured the distance and estimated that she dragged him approximately 160 feet.

Abrams recently defended herself before a three-member review board, saying the boy was being disruptive and had threatened another student and refused to walk, CNN reported. She also reportedly said he was “enjoying sliding down the hall and being the center of attention.”

The boy’s mother, Angel Nelson, wrote on Facebook that her son has been diagnosed with “autism, ADHD, PTSD, anxiety and depression.” She said his speech is limited and that he’s prone to “experiencing a meltdown.”

Nelson said her son sustained injuries to his wrist during the dragging incident and has to go through “more intense occupational therapy to regain his skills that took so long to grasp.”

The boy’s stepfather, Calep Nelson, told WSAZ-TV that he and his wife had previously met with Abrams and discussed the child’s needs.

“This is the same lady that looked us in the eye and said, ‘Your son is safe with me,’” he said.

The Kentucky Education Standards Board has been notified of the incident. It’s not yet known if they will seek to revoke Abram’s teaching license.

Abrams has not been arrested. She is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

HuffPost’s attempts to reach Abrams for comment were unsuccessful. It’s not clear whether she is being represented by an attorney.

“I think she should possibly face the inside of a jail,” Calep Nelson told WSAZ-TV. “She didn’t beat him to a bloody pulp, but she did abuse a child. Anybody that does that to a child should go to jail.”

Send David Lohr an email or follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

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Before You Go

10 Things Parents Of Kids With Special Needs Wish You Would And Wouldn't Do
Talk To Us(01 of10)
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Say “hi,” introduce yourself, ask questions... just be yourself. And don’t be horrified if your child asks why our child looks different or "talks funny." Instead of shushing them and pulling them away use it as a teachable moment. You can even ask us to help.“You can tell if someone has good intentions,” shares Louise Kinross, the mother of a young adult with a rare genetic condition and creator of the BLOOM blog. (credit:Shutterstock)
Ask If We Need Help(02 of10)
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Parents of children with special needs appreciate the help or will tell you if they don’t need it (please don’t automatically step in and start wheeling our kids around, though).And if you’re the friend of someone who has a child with special needs offer a cooked meal, a coffee date or an hour of babysitting. Our stress levels are sky-high and we always appreciate an offer or real, specific help.
Don’t Stare At Our Kids(03 of10)
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Staring is rude, but if you feel compelled to stare at least offer up a smile. But don’t worry if you just happen to be staring in my kid’s direction while in a sleep-deprived, zombie-like state -– we’ve been there and we won’t hold it against you.
Smile At Us!(04 of10)
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“A friendly smile and/or a hello is so much more welcome and goes a long way in breaking the ice,” says Liza Sneyd, mom to two children with cerebral palsy. And teaching your child to smile is a lot easier if you’re flashing us a grin yourself. (credit:AF)
Include My Child(05 of10)
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Invite us to playdates and to birthday parties. If you’re not sure how to accommodate our child or how they can participate in activates, just ask us. We’re usually experts in modifying or figuring out creative ways for our kids to enjoy the things that other kids like. (credit:Getty Editorial)
Don’t Treat Me Or My Child Like We're Invisible(06 of10)
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“Hold the door for my daughter instead of letting it slam shut on her and her wheelchair,” says Lana Jones, who has a teenage daughter with cerebral palsy.“Don’t step in front of my son’s wheelchair so he can’t see,” shares Barb DeRoo, mom of a son with cerebral palsy and creator of Zach’s List. (credit:Getty Creative)
Don’t Treat Me Like A Saint(07 of10)
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Despite the fact that I get asked to write articles like this, I am not a perfect parent. My kid can get on my very. Last. Nerve. She can also warm my heart like no other -– just like any kid.When you say: “I don’t know how you do it,” my answer will always be: “It’s simple. I do it because this is my child and I love her. It is all I know.” (credit:Getty Creative)
Don’t Pity Me Or My Child(08 of10)
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More often than not parents of kids with special needs have a strong belief in the strength and resilience of their kids. Our kids face insurmountable odds, often with a smile on their face and a lot of strength in their hearts. They are super heroes, not victims. And while you’re at it remember that our lives may have some extra challenges, but we still face the same difficulties you do. Treat us like parents -– it is what we have in common. (credit:Getty Creative)
Mind Your Words(09 of10)
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Don’t use the word retard (replace it with ridiculous instead). Don’t ask: What’s “wrong” with a child?Initiate age-appropriate conversations and don’t automatically use baby talk.Use "people-first" language that puts the person before the disability (e.g a child with autism, not an autistic child). It’s not about being politically correct, it’s about the fact that words matter. After all you are reading this, right? (credit:Getty Creative)
Embrace Diversity And Encourage Kindness(10 of10)
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Kindness isn’t sympathy or pity –- it is being a good person. Teach your children the same. It really is that simple. (credit:Getty Creative)
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