Deputies: Substitute teacher accused of taping students to their desks

GASTON, SC (WIS) - A substitute teacher working at Sandhills Middle School has been charged with two counts of cruelty to children after using tape to restrain students, according to the Lexington County Sheriff's Department.

Deputies say Janeen Clark, 26, taped two male students to their desk chairs and bound their hands with tape during school hours Thursday.  She is accused of putting tape over the mouth of one of the students and allowing another student to tape the second victim to a chair.

"We dispatched a team of investigators to look into this situation as soon as the school made us aware of it on Thursday," Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. "Our investigation is ongoing and we're still talking to those who were involved."

Clark was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center early Saturday morning. She was released on her own recognizance that same day.

Deputies say cruelty to children is a misdemeanor charge punishable by a fine of up to $200 or up to 30 days in jail.

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