In Lee County, two separate investigations have been launched involving guest teachers accused of misconduct on school grounds since September. Kelly Services has described the incidents as "inappropriate behavior" and "misconduct."
Last month, WINK News reported on an alleged assault on a fifth grader at Gateway Elementary School. The guest teacher in that incident was accused of throwing a child on the ground by their wrist and instructing them to keep their nose in the corner of the room. Kelly Services confirmed this teacher has been terminated.
Now, a second incident involving a different Kelly Services employee is under scrutiny. Five-year-old Maverick Mueller was on his way to the pickup line when his parents, Sarah Mueller and Michael Fendley, heard his cries for help.
"I heard him cry. It was his upset. I'm tired of crying, which turned into get me out of here kind of cry," said Sarah Mueller.
Sarah Mueller said she found her son, who has autism, being restrained by a substitute teacher.
"His pre-K teacher pushed him prior to the incident that happened with the substitute teacher," said Mueller. "I see this teacher holding him down with his arm behind his back. And she was also restraining him in other ways as well, too."
She reported the incident to Principal Gibson, who promised to review the video footage.
Sarah and Michael Fendley were able to view the video on October 27, more than a month after the incident.
"He keeps looking and pointing at her and grabbing and saying, Hey, let's go. Let's go. And you can see that happening," said Michael Fendley.
A spokesperson for the School District of Lee County confirmed the incident is under investigation. The Lee County Sheriff's Office's Special Victims Unit is also looking into the matter, along with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).
WINK News reporter Haley Zarcone obtained the DCF report from Maverick's parents, which stated, "Video footage shows both teachers mishandling the victim child but the child did not receive any injuries."
The school district employee involved has been suspended without pay. The Kelly Services employee has been removed from all assignments pending the completion of the investigation.
"We trust the district. We trust these people take care of our kids, especially kids who are in special needs," said Michael Fendley. "They require special care. But apparently that's not being taught the proper way, and that's really scary and frustrating for us."
Maverick's parents have joined another parent, J.J. Scott, in a lawsuit against Kelly Services and the school district. Both entities said they do not have any further comment at this time.
A school board meeting is scheduled for tonight, where both families plan to speak out on behalf of their children in hopes of getting answers.