Teacher arrested for alleged Child Abuse

Escambia County, Florida  –  Escambia County Deputies arrested Lincoln Park Primary School kindergarten teacher Brenda Morris on Thursday for allegedly committing child abuse on a developmentally delayed child.  Morris was released shortly after booking.

The State Attorney’s Office charged the 68-year-old Morris with one count of child abuse without great bodily harm, which is classified as a third-degree felony.

“She was alleged to have touched the child in an illegal manner, which may constitute child abuse,” said Greg Marcille, assistant state attorney.

Escambia Deputy Superintendent Norm Ross said the alleged incident occurred Monday at the school.  Lincoln Park administration notified the Florida Department of Children and Families, whose agents responded to the scene.  Morris was escorted off school property.

Ross said the School District suspended Morris with pay, pending the outcome of the investigation.

“We’re at the mercy of another agency,” Ross said.  “One thing people need to be made aware of is how badly these programs (such as DCF) are understaffed considering the workload these guys have.”

Marcille said he expects Morris to be arraigned in three weeks.  Her case will then be put on the trial docket for two to three months after her arraignment.