Crime & Safety

Pasco Teacher Accused Of Throwing Child Across Floor Of Classroom

A Chasco Elementary School teacher has been arrested after being accused of abusing an 8-year-old student.

Danielle Barton, 42, has been charged with one count of child abuse.
Danielle Barton, 42, has been charged with one count of child abuse. (Pasco Sheriff)

PORT RICHEY, FL — A Chasco Elementary School teacher has been arrested after being accused of abusing an 8-year-old student.

On April 27, Pasco County sheriff's deputies said teacher Danielle Barton, 42, became aggravated when an 8-year-old student began smacking his lips and refused to obey Barton when she told him to stop.

Deputies said Barton grabbed the child's arm, turned it behind his back and lifted the student from his seat, dragging him by his arm about 15 feet to another classroom.

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Two teachers gave statements about what took place next. They said Barton threw the child across the floor "like he was a baseball player sliding into home plate." The student slid 5 to 7 feet, hitting his head on a cabinet.

According to Pasco County Schools, Barton has been placed on administrative leave.

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She faces one count of child abuse.

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