Middle School Teacher Charged, Accused Of Spitting On A Student In Woodbridge: Cops

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Eselyn Maheia, a middle school teacher, was arrested on Friday after she was accused of spitting on a student, according to the Prince William County Police Department. The incident occurred on Friday, Feb. 4 at Fred Lynn Middle School in Woodbridge.

The school resource officer began a joint investigation into the reported assault on Tuesday, Feb.8. Child Protective Services also assisted the investigation, police said.

Authorities determined that the assault occurred in a classroom during the school day on Feb. 4. On that day, a 14-year-old student experienced a mental health crisis, according to the police report.

During the crisis, school staff, including Maheia, temporarily restrained the student "in an attempt to keep him from harming himself or others," the police department said.

Witnesses claimed that Maheia spat on the student before the two separated. The other school personnel who were in the classroom that day reported the assault to administrators, who then contacted Child Protective Services.

After the investigation was completed, Maheia was charged with one count of assault and battery. She was released on a court summons, and her court date is still pending.

In a letter to families, Fred Lynn Middle School principal Hamish Brewer said that they were limited in the information they could provide, since the incident involved a student and a teacher.

"We are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for every student and do not believe this isolated incident is reflective of the great work accomplished at our school on a daily basis," Brewer wrote. "Thank you for your support and cooperation."

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