LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — The investigation into allegations that a Lancaster County teacher restrained a five-year-old at school has closed with no charges being filed.
The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office said Thursday there is not enough evidence to support criminal charges being filed in connection with the February 2025 incident involving an IU-13 teacher at Leola Elementary School.
The statements witnesses in the case gave to school administrators did not rise to child abuse and did not justify a ChildLine report, the DA’s office said. Furthermore, some contradicted their original statements, while others refused to speak with police again, the DA’s office said.
U.S. Army soldier dies after Letterkenny Army Depot training incident
“As such, the Commonwealth cannot substantiate criminal charges in this matter relating to the teacher’s actions or for violations of the Child Protective Services law relating to the timely filing of mandatory reports of child abuse,” the DA’s office said.
Autistic child allegedly restrained
The District Attorney’s office said the teacher was alleged to have restrained an autistic child in a small, enclosed area, referred to as a “calm area” by IU-13, and that the teacher dragged the child by his feet when he tried to leave the room. Five IU-13 staff members were reportedly present in the “calm area” when this happened…