A Wake County Public Schools elementary teacher has been arrested on misdemeanor child abuse charges.

SHIRLEY JEAN RICHARDSON

Name: Shirley Jean Richardson
Age: 62
Charge(s): 2 counts misdemeanor child abuse (Class A1)
Charge Type(s): (View Sentencing Chart)
Arrest Date: 5-2-24
Bond Details: $1,000 secured, posted.

Victim /Case Details: 

[Via Zebulon Police Dept. on Facebook]

“This afternoon, Shirley Richardson (62 years of age) of Middlesex, was arrested and charged with two counts of misdemeanor child abuse.  The arrest stems from an incident that occurred earlier this month involving a student while Ms. Richardson was serving as an Instructional Assistant in Special Programs at Wakelon Elementary School.
The safety of our children is of the utmost importance.  We appreciate the cooperation of the Wake County Public School System as our staff conducted the investigation.”

It is yet unclear if the abuse charge involves a student, special needs or otherwise, at the school.

Other Wake County Public Schools employees arrested during the 2023-24 school year:
Lori Miller Holland
Tiffany Krystine Ebron
Elier Josue Gonzalez-Castro
Gayla Ellis Hollingsworth

Current Role: Wakelon Elementary School,  Instructional Assistant in Special Program
History: Hired in 2004 as a substitute.
Employment status: Initially suspended; resigned on May 30 without the required 30 days notice per state law.

Statement from District: No official statement from WCPSS.

NC Teacher License Information: No NC Teaching License on file with the state for Shirley Jean Richardson.