ORANGE PARK - A school employee at W.E. Cherry Elementary was arrested on Wednesday, Aug. 27, for abusing a student, the Clay County Sheriff's Office said. 

Pearl Oforiwaa Gyamera, 47, was charged with child abuse without significant harm after police said they began an investigation into allegations reported by the school principal.

According to CCSO, on Aug. 26, at around 9:45 a.m., the victim was working with his speech therapist when he began kicking his legs. Gyamera was the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Behavioral Assistant for the victim and tasked with calming him down during physical or emotional outbursts. Gyamera intervened to manage the victim’s behavior, at which the victim kicked her.

Gyamera kicked the victim back three times, asking how it felt and if it hurt him. The victim suffered no injuries in this incident.

All parties, including adult witnesses, were interviewed by CCSO investigators.  Gyamera, who has been employed as an ESE Behavioral Assistant with the Clay County District Schools since August 2016, was placed on administrative leave following her arrest.

She has no prior disciplinary record with the school district and no criminal history. She was released on her own recognizance by Clay County Judge Raymond Forbess Jr. on Thursday morning. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 29.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call CCSO at (904) 264-6512 or submit information via the SaferWatch App at getsaferwatch.com.