MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) detectives arrested a sixth-grade teacher who is accused of telling a student to slap another student.
MCSO said Judith Clark, 64, was a teacher at Lee Middle School. According to investigators, on May 13, Clark repeatedly told a student to stop talking during class before asking the class, "Who wants to slap him?"
Witnesses in the class said when the student started talking again, Clark asked the question a second time. Students did not respond to the question either time. Clark is accused of then telling two students to close the blinds of the classroom window, and then directing another student to hit the victim.
MCSO said the student complied with Clark's request and gently slapped the victim across the face with an open hand.
During interviews with detectives, the 12-year-old student who slapped the victim said he was afraid of disobeying Clark's instruction.
The school district of Manatee County said Clark's had worked at Lee Middle School since 2019. Her contract was non-renewed on April 8, and her last day of employment was set for May 29.
Read full statement
This incident is deeply concerning and does not reflect the standards or expectations we have for our employees. This arrest follows a collaborative investigation involving the School District, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and Child Protective Services. The District contacted the Department of Children and Families after receiving information on May 14, 2026.
The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. We are committed to providing a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment for all students, and the actions described in this case are not aligned with that commitment we uphold in our schools.
We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners, take all appropriate steps to ensure accountability, and keep our school community informed.
The individual began employment with the School District in 2019 and worked at Lee Middle School during that time. She was non-renewed on April 8, 2026, with the last scheduled day of employment on May 29, 2026."
School administrators removed Clark from the classroom at the start of the investigation.
MCSO arrested Clark on May 19 and charged her with child abuse without great bodily harm.
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