A Floyd County School psychologist, Katherine Allen Mitchell Lynn, 51 of Jacksonville, AL, was arrested in Rome this week after reports said she abused at least two 4 year-old special needs child at Alto Park Elementary School.
Reports said that between September 2nd and 13th, Lynn allegedly maliciously caused a 4 year-old, special needs, non-verbal child excessive physical/mental pain. Authorities said that the child was placed in both a blanket and a weighted blanket because he would not lay down for a nap. Lynn proceeded to step on the blanket to keep the child restrained. The child became upset and attempted to get out when Lynn would forcibly place him back inside. The child then hyperventilated for several minutes until another adult came into the room and took over his care.
Then on September 25th, Lynn allegedly grabbed another special needs student by the collar of his shirt and moved him 10-15 feet before throwing him onto a mat. She then proceeded to yell at the student and prohibited him from getting up. The child reportedly laid in distress and in shock.
Then on October 22nd, Lynn restrained another 4 year-old child in a tightly wrapped blanket that was on the floor. She continued to step on the blanket to prevent the child from getting up or moving. This child reportedly began to scream and cry. The victim was only released after another adult returned to the classroom and suggested she could take care of the child. Reports did not indicate if this was one of the other children or a different one.
Lynn is charged with three counts of 1st degree cruelty to children.
Her employment with Floyd County Schools was terminated last Friday.
