De. teacher charged for slapping student

ELSMERE, De - April 23, 2008 The Delaware State Police has concluded an investigation into an allegation that a teacher at Baltz Elementary School had slapped a student in the face. This incident occurred on February 23rd and was reported to police by a school administrator. In this incident, it had been alleged that a 12-year-old, 6th grade, male student was standing near a locker, holding a note, with several of his friends. A teacher, identified as Anita McCray, 48, of Wilmington, approached this group of students and took the note to investigate its contents. The 12-year-old boy, thinking that it was another student who took the note, grabbed the note back. He then, however, realized what had happened and turned toward the teacher. The student placed his hand on the teacher's shoulder and apologized for his actions several times. Through this investigation, and through witness accounts, detectives learned that McCray allegedly paused for several seconds, looked at the 12-year-old boy, and grabbed him by his shoulder. She then slapped the boy in the face quickly three times asking what was wrong with him. The boy was not injured. This investigation spanned several weeks and required the officer to speak with the student witnesses. The investigator noted the cooperation he experienced while dealing with the students- who were willing to speak with him while showing a high level of maturity. Although it took a period of time to conduct all of the interviews, the Trooper investigating this case was keen not to disrupt the students' school day. The investigation concluded last week and warrants were completed and approved. On Tuesday April 22nd, Anita McCray voluntarily turned herself in to authorities to answer to the charges of Offensive Touching and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (both misdemeanors). She was arraigned and released without bond and her court date is pending.