VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — An 80-year-old Deltona Lakes Elementary School worker was arrested Monday, Sept. 21, after allegedly striking a student in the back of the head during the school’s extended-care program.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office charged Maria Luz Graham with felony child abuse without great bodily harm under Florida Statute 827.03(2)(c).
The alleged incident occurred Sept. 17 in the school cafeteria’s dinner line. According to an arrest affidavit, extended-care group leader Graham accused the student of disrespect after the child shrugged and warned she would not receive food if the behavior continued.
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The student told deputies that after taking her tray to a seat, Graham followed her and struck the back of her head with an open hand. The blow allegedly forced the child’s head forward and caused pain.
Afterward, the student tried to speak with extended-care supervisor Mrs. Bartz. She later told deputies she knew about the incident but avoided the student to prevent the situation from worsening.
According to the affidavit, Bartz believed the student would likely deny being hit.
After reviewing cafeteria surveillance footage on Sept. 18, Principal Chad Miller concluded that the student had not engaged in misconduct. He told investigators the student was horseplaying, not punching other children, and confirmed physical contact between Graham and the student.
In a sworn statement, Miller said the video showed Graham striking the student.
Deputies interviewed Graham at her DeBary home on Sept. 21. She recalled the incident, saying the student tried to skip the line and pushed others. Graham said she told the student to move to the back.
Graham told deputies the student responded, “Do whatever you need to do.” She said she may have lightly touched the student’s head but did not recall striking her.
Deputies said they established probable cause to charge Graham with felony child abuse. She was taken into custody and booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail.
Investigators plan to subpoena Deltona Lakes Elementary School for the cafeteria surveillance video as the case proceeds.
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