A former Knoch Primary School teacher has been accused of slapping an 8-year-old autistic student in the face.
State police charged Carly Miller, 35, of Hampton with simple assault and harassment in relation to a Nov. 26, 2024 incident. According to a criminal complaint filed in the case, the student attempted to enter another classroom while Miller tried to restrain him by grabbing his arms and wrists.
When the student then bit her, Miller slapped the child in the face and walked away, according to the complaint.
The next day, state police received several reports from a child abuse hotline about the incident.
In text messages between Miller and a teacher’s aide from five days before the incident, Miller wrote “I’m going to kick (the student) if he ever bites me again,” police said.
Knoch solicitor Tom Breth said the district has been aware of the incident since it occurred and has fired Miller. Miller is working through a union appeals process, he said.
Breth said Knoch “takes student safety very seriously,” and has cooperated with police throughout the investigation.
No lawyer was listed in court documents as representing Miller. She is awaiting a preliminary hearing.