Former Substitute Teacher Charged After Alleged Assault on Student in Greenville
Greenville, S.C. – A troubling incident has come to light in Greenville County, where a former substitute teacher, Kevin Leroy Ester, has been charged with assaulting a 14-year-old student. The incident, which took place at the Rudolph Gordon School, has raised significant concerns among parents and the community alike.
Details of the Incident
Ester is facing a charge of assault and battery in the third degree, which is generally categorized as a misdemeanor. According to court records, the Fountain Inn Police Department filed the charges on September 16, following an investigation that began after a report made by the school’s principal, Meredith Welch, on September 11.
The trouble started when two teachers at Rudolph Gordon School noted some concerning behavior from Ester. They reported that he had “grabbed and pulled” on a 14-year-old student’s arms so forcefully that it left red marks. Additionally, there were reports of incidents where Ester allegedly slapped the student on the back after the boy expressed his reluctance to return to his seat, according to the incident report.
More Alarming Behaviors
Further investigation revealed a pattern of behavior that raised alarms among school officials. One incident highlighted in the report involved Ester twisting the student’s wrist while trying to get him to ascend the stairs, accompanied by the statement, “This is how they used to get you motivated to move.” This statement, accompanied by the application of pressure, is particularly troubling.
While Ester reportedly denied any forceful behavior, the teachers expressed that his methods, while not typically aggressive, were concerning and not in line with how they would typically handle a similar situation. The report describes Ester as generally controlled and calm, which makes these allegations even more disturbing.
Reviewing Evidence
As part of the investigation, surveillance video from August 27 was reviewed. The video captured a sequence of events where the student appeared to wrap his arm around Ester’s as they walked up the stairs. At some point, Ester is seen pulling the student’s arm and twisting his wrist while applying pressure before letting go. The footage also shows Ester lightly punching the student on the arm three times, but it’s stated that no contact was made when he pulled his elbow back toward the student initially.
Community Reaction
The reaction from the community has been one of shock and concern. Many parents are understandably worried about the safety of their children in schools, a place they expect to be nurturing and secure. Principal Welch addressed the situation in a message sent to parents, assuring them that the matter was taken seriously and appropriate action was being carried out.
As of now, Ester is no longer employed by the Greenville County School District, as confirmed by a district spokesperson. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students.
Moving Forward
With legal proceedings set to unfold, many are watching closely to see how the situation develops. Schools play a vital role in shaping the lives of young people, and when incidents like this arise, it raises significant questions about protocols and practices in place to protect students and promote positive interactions between educators and those they are meant to guide.
This incident serves as a wake-up call for everyone involved, emphasizing the importance of communication, understanding, and the well-being of students above all else.
