FINDLAY, OH (Toledo News Now) - A Riverdale teacher accused of being too physical with a kindergarten student has been charged with child endangering.
Barb Williams was suspended with pay after video of her grabbing a young boy by the face and lifting him off the ground aired on WTOL 11. Williams has finished her 10-day suspension but now faces one charge of endangering children by the Findlay City Prosecutors Office. They handle misdemeanor charges. A court document said Williams recklessly and unlawfully created a substantial risk to the health and or safety of the child by violating a duty of care and protection.
Alan Hackenberg in the Findlay Prosecutor's Office says the office has completed its review of the law enforcement report on the matter and decided to file the charge.
Residents of Mount Blanchard are speaking about the event.
"She would recognize, and I think most of us recognize, that it was an incorrect and unfortunate incident. I'm happy that it is not a severe blemish, so I'm satisfied as far as I'm concerned," Gary Porcello.
Ian Nelson's father Anthony told Toledo News Now he thought this case should have gone to a grand jury and that Williams should have been charged with felonies instead of a misdemeanor. Anthony and Autumn Nelson, have called for Williams to be fired and arrested. The Nelson family attorney says that likely ruled out by prospects for felony charges.
"Then to have her, Mrs. Williams, charged with only one misdemeanor count of endangering children, now it appears that the justice system is not taking this case very seriously," said Dan Margolis, family attorney.
No one in the city prosecutor's office would comment on the charge or release any more details.
There are others who are relieved the case did not go any further.
"I know the sentiment runs high, especially when reviewing the video. We've seen the video a number of times. We also know the teacher and have been a part of the community and we know the good works that she has done here too," said Porcello.
There is no word yet if this criminal charge will affect her employment.
