FORT SMITH, Ark. — Cristie Castagno, a 50-year-old teacher from Fort Smith, was arrested on Monday in connection to an incident that occurred during her time at Immaculate Conception Catholic School, the Fort Smith Police Department confirmed.
Records from the Sebastian County Jail indicate that Castagno was booked on charges of second-degree assault and harassment on Aug. 18 around 1 p.m. She was held on a $900 bond and has since been released.
Police stated that a child attending the school was involved in the incident. Following the event, officials from the Arkansas Department of Human Services conducted a visit to the school’s preschool on April 28, 2025. Their report cited violations related to unacceptable disciplinary measures, specifically prohibiting actions such as hitting, pinching, hair-pulling, slapping, kicking, and other forms of physical punishment.
According to the Arkansas Educator Licensure System, Castagno was deemed qualified to teach early childhood through K-12 after her most recent background check on July 10, 2025.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to look into the incident.
