Flagler County deputies arrested Kevin Adkisson, a 52‑year‑old teacher at Wadsworth Elementary School, on Thursday on two counts of child abuse without great bodily harm. The charges stem from an alleged incident on Oct. 16 involving a 6‑year‑old student with special needs.
Alleged incident
According to the sheriff’s office affidavit, the children were watching a movie and playing with toys during free time when the 6‑year‑old argued with another student over a toy. The affidavit says Adkisson “approached the students quickly, and forcefully pulled the toy from their hands” and then pushed the child as they tried to return to their table.
Adkisson is further accused of grabbing the student’s arm in a “rough, slinging motion,” causing the child to swing through the air, and yelling that the student “was acting like a 2‑year‑old and needed to go to their designated area.” The child allegedly crawled under a desk, began to cry, and was later pinned against a wall after Adkisson moved the desk and grabbed the arm again.
The affidavit notes that the child told Adkisson he was hurting him and could not breathe. Adkisson eventually released the student, told him he was not hurt, and walked away.
Earlier allegation
The same affidavit describes a separate incident on Oct. 16 in which Adkisson allegedly struck both sides of the student’s stomach with closed hands, lifted the child, and placed him at the back of the line after the student skipped ahead of classmates.
School response
School administrators were notified immediately after the incident and escorted Adkisson off campus. The Florida Department of Children and Families was also informed. A Flagler Schools spokesperson confirmed that Adkisson is currently on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Legal proceedings
Adkisson declined to speak with detectives, was arrested, and later released on a $5,000 bond. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office released the details in a public statement to keep the community informed.
Community impact
Parents and community members expressed concern for the safety of students in the Emotional and Behavioral Disorders classroom. The school district reiterated its commitment to providing a safe learning environment and said it will cooperate fully with law‑enforcement and child‑welfare authorities.
Flagler County officials encourage anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the sheriff’s office.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
