Clay County substitute teacher arrested for allegedly hitting student

A substitute teacher in Clay County was arrested last Friday after he allegedly struck a female student at Oakleaf Junior High.

James Smith, 75, was charged with battery and had his bond set at $5,002.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office said Smith was handing out a test when students became unruly. The report said Smith asked the class to calm down, but some students continued to talk.

The Sheriff’s Office said Smith then took the test away due to the class continuing to talk.

The victim told deputies that she was slightly turned in her seat when Smith struck hit her three times in the arm. Investigators said the girl’s arm was slightly swollen.

Action News Jax news partner News 104.5 WOKV reached out to the Clay County School District for comment.

Cox Media Group