Attleboro Elementary School Teacher Arrested and Charged in Alleged Slapping Incident

ATTLEBORO (WBSM) — The Attleboro elementary school teacher who allegedly slapped two students last month has been arrested today and charged with assault and battery.

Attleboro Public Schools Superintendent David Sawyer made the announcement today, giving an update to what he called the “ongoing and deeply troubling matter” that occurred at Thacher Elementary School on November 26.

Sawyer said he had been informed by Attleboro Police that the teacher, later identified as Susan Martin, 57, of Kingston, was arrested and charged today.

It was also learned that the two students were both non-verbal autistic children, and both were five years old.

"The Attleboro Public Schools have been cooperating fully with the Attleboro Police Department in its investigation and the Bristol County District Attorney's Office in the prosecution of this case,” Sawyer said. “The district continues to support the affected students and their families during this difficult time.”

When the district was notified of the allegations on November 26, Martin was placed on administrative leave as an investigation was launched by the district. Attleboro Police and the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families were also notified.

"The allegations represent a profound betrayal of the trust our community places in educators and the values we hold dear as a public school district,” Sawyer said.

READ MORE: Attleboro Elementary Teacher Placed on Leave for Allegedly Slapping Two Students

“I would like to reiterate that the safety and well-being of our students are our highest priorities," he said. "We have taken this situation very seriously since it was brought to our attention, and we are committed to collaborating with our law enforcement partners in their ongoing investigation."