Idaho School Employee Accused of Slapping Boy Enters Guilty Plea

CALDWELL, Idaho (AP) — A former speech therapist at a Caldwell elementary school has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor injury to a child.

The Idaho Press-Tribune reports that Lisa Carriere said in court Friday that she slapped a 6-year-old autistic student after the boy raised his hand at her during a lesson. Carriere told the judge she hit the boy during speech therapy class. She could tell the boy was tired, but she continued with the lesson.

She says the child acted aggressively and she feared for her life. Judge Thomas Sullivan sentenced Carriere to 180 days in jail with 175 days suspended. He also ordered her to serve 50 hours of community service, and to pay $500 in fines and court costs.