Docs: Guion Creek Elementary teacher who allowed children to fight during recess now faces neglect charges

INDIANAPOLIS — A former Indianapolis elementary school teacher has been charged with two counts of neglect of a dependent.

Indiana’s public court reporting system indicates Reshanda Allen has been formally charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in bodily injury and neglect of a dependent.

The incident the charges stem from unfolded in February, according to court documents. On Feb. 28, law enforcement was dispatched to Guion Creek Elementary School to investigate a reported fight.

Court records show that two juveniles fought each other during a recess period on Feb. 27. After a review of security camera footage, investigators determined Reshanda Allen was present on the playground at the time of the fight.

Guion Creek Elementary School’s website indicates Allen was employed as a fourth grade teacher when the incident occurred. MSD of Pike Township said Allen is no longer employed by the school district.

After examining the incident, law enforcement was led to believe Allen stood by and watched the fight happen. According to court documents, Allen “did not once attempt to stop the fight.”

Investigators also learned that Allen failed to notify school administrators of the fight. Court records indicate that Allen may have even instigated the fight, saying “If (you) are going to fight, then fight.”

A report filed on the investigation states that school staff members “have the assumed responsibility of students for the safety and well-being while in attendance of school.” Because of that obligation, investigators believe Allen “knowingly and intentionally placed both juvenile students in a situation that endangered their health and wellness, which she neglected, and resulted in injury.”

School officials only became aware of a fight after one of the juvenile’s parents told them he took his child to the emergency room for treatment. During the fight, the injured juvenile was picked up and body slammed to the ground, leaving a large lump of the back of his head, according to court documents.

An initial hearing date has not yet been set in Allen’s case.

The two charges Allen faces are Level 5 and 6 Felonies, respectively. The maximum penalty for a Level 5 Felony in Indiana is a six-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.