A Florida elementary school teacher has been arrested on charges of child abuse and false imprisonment after being accused of physically abusing a disabled student in her care. The teacher, 41-year-old Beatriz Rapisarda, was taken into custody on Thursday following an incident at Sunrise Elementary School in Palm Bay that prompted authorities to respond.
The Palm Bay Police Department responded to a troubling incident at Sunrise Elementary School involving a teacher, identified as Rapisarda, and a special-needs student in a classroom designated for intellectually disabled children. According to a police affidavit, the incident escalated when the student refused to move from one area of the classroom to another, leading to an alleged use of physical force by the teacher.
Witnesses in the classroom described a series of disturbing actions taken by Rapisarda. The affidavit details how the teacher allegedly pushed the student multiple times with open palms to the chest, causing the child to fall to the ground. When the student resisted further by throwing herself onto the floor, Rapisarda allegedly grabbed her by the wrist and tried to force her up. As the student continued to resist, the teacher is accused of straddling the child, pinning her arms to the ground as the student lay on her back.
The situation reportedly worsened when Rapisarda allegedly dragged the student across the classroom floor, a distance of nearly 30 feet, towards a restroom. Witnesses stated that the child screamed in distress as she was pulled, her foot catching on a shelf along the way. The affidavit also notes that Rapisarda is accused of using the bathroom as a form of punishment, locking the student inside while blocking the door with her foot.
These actions, described by witnesses as both “unacceptable” and “aggressive,” have raised serious concerns among the staff present during the incident. One witness reportedly left the classroom to inform a supervisor, further highlighting the severity of the situation.
The affidavit also references an earlier incident involving Rapisarda, which allegedly occurred two days prior. In that instance, the teacher is accused of “wrapping” a student in a foam mat in a manner described as “swaddle” or “burrito style,” holding the student in place for several minutes by wrapping her arms around the mat. The restraint reportedly lasted between five to seven minutes, during which time the student was held against her will.
Moreover, Rapisarda is alleged to have enforced a rigid bathroom schedule for the special-needs children in her care, reportedly refusing them access to the restroom if they did not go at the designated time. This strict control, combined with the physical restraint allegations, has sparked outrage among parents and staff alike.
Following her arrest, Rapisarda was charged with child abuse without great bodily harm and false imprisonment of a child under 13. Both charges carry significant legal consequences, reflecting the gravity of the allegations. Child abuse without great bodily harm is a third-degree felony in Florida, potentially leading to a prison sentence of up to five years if convicted. False imprisonment of a child under 13, classified as a second-degree felony, could result in a prison term of up to 15 years.
The child’s parents have expressed their intent to pursue criminal charges against Rapisarda, emphasizing the impact of the alleged abuse on their child’s well-being. The Palm Bay Police Department is continuing its investigation, with additional interviews and evidence collection underway.
According to a report by Mirror, the allegations have shocked the local community, with many expressing outrage and concern over the safety of children in special education programs. Sunrise Elementary School, part of the Brevard County School District, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, the school is expected to review its policies and procedures in light of the serious accusations against one of its staff members.
Parents at the school have called for greater oversight and stricter protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The case has also drawn attention to the broader issue of how special-needs students are treated in educational settings, sparking discussions about the need for enhanced training and support for teachers working with vulnerable populations.
As the investigation continues, Rapisarda remains in custody, awaiting her first court appearance. The outcome of the case is likely to have significant implications for both the teacher involved and the broader educational community in Palm Bay.