An instructional assistant at a Virginia elementary school has been charged with misdemeanor assault after an incident involving a student in a physical education class.
Matthew Barber, 43, of Fairfax, was issued a summons today.
According to the Fairfax Police Department, Barber allegedly “aggressively handled” a student for not following directions during a physical education class at Providence Elementary School on Sept. 18.
No injuries were reported.
A teacher witnessed the incident and reported it to the school administration, and the aide was placed on administrative leave.
Fairfax County Public Schools shared information with the City of Fairfax Police Department one day after the incident, on Sept. 19.
Barber was released on his promise to appear in court, according to police.
If anyone is aware of additional victims, they are asked to contact Detective Ruth Lightner at (703) 385-7913.
Earlier this year, an elementary school music teacher in Fairfax County was accused of fondling two girls on separate occasions at Fairview Elementary School. The teacher pled guilty to reduced charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a Class 1 misdemeanor, according to online court records. The teacher was sentenced to six months in prison; but the full sentence was suspended.