TAYLOR, Neb. (KSNB) — A former special education teacher has been charged with child abuse in Loup County, according to court records filed earlier this month.
63-year-old Mary Yarrington faces one count of intentional child abuse with no injury, court documents show. Her first court appearance is scheduled for November 26.
The arrest affidavit states that authorities were alerted after a staff member at Loup County Public Schools noticed bruising on a student’s neck and ears. The injuries reportedly appeared after Yarrington had been alone with the student during a walk.
The incident occurred in September, and the school superintendent later contacted the Loup County Sheriff’s Office to report the situation.
When questioned by the school principal, Yarrington allegedly admitted to pinching the student’s neck and ears in an attempt to get the child to stand and walk back to school.
The victim’s mother, speaking to Local4 News, said her son is 16 years old, non-verbal, and has Down syndrome.
“He’s the sweetest kid,” she said. “I don’t know why someone would do that.”
Yarrington was cited in lieu of arrest and will appear in court later this month.
Superintendent Darrin Max confirmed that Yarrington is no longer employed with the district.
“Loup County Public School is committed to the safety and well-being of our students and will uphold a safe, respectful educational environment,” Max said.
