PALM BAY, Fla. – A Brevard Public Schools teacher was arrested Thursday on allegations of abusing and falsely imprisoning a special-needs student in a classroom.
Beatriz Rapisarda, 41, who teaches at Sunrise Elementary School in Palm Bay, faces charges of child abuse and false imprisonment.
Palm Bay police said several witnesses saw Rapisarda push the student and restrain the child by grabbing her wrists. Rapisarda then dragged the student about 30 feet toward the bathroom, which the witnesses said Rapisarda used as a “form of punishment,” according to a police report.
A witness also told police that at one point Rapisarda had her knee in the child’s back and placed “all her weight” on the student, the police report stated. Rapisarda then placed the student in the bathroom for about 10 minutes, with the door nearly shut as the student banged on the door, police said.
The police report also stated that witnesses saw Rapisarda on Tuesday “wrap” the same student in a Styrofoarm mat “burrito style” for up to seven minutes.
The student’s parents said they wanted to press charges against Rapisarda, according to the police report.
“After a thorough review of sworn statements and evidence, sufficient probable cause was established for her arrest,” police said in a statement.
Rapisarda was taken into custody at the school and was booked into the Brevard County Jail.
“The Palm Bay Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of individuals within our community, especially our youth,” the statement said. “We will continue to work closely with the school and our partners at the Department of Children and Families to ensure incidents such as this one are not repeated.”
The police report did not say if the student suffered any physical injuries.
Brevard Public Schools released a statement, saying it is aware of the teacher’s arrest and Rapisarda has been placed on administrative leave while law enforcement conducts an investigation.
“The safety and security of our students is our No. 1 priority,” BPS said in a statement. “We are fully cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation.”
The Sunrise Elementary School principal alerted students’ families about the arrest, sending a message Friday morning.
“Sunrise Families, We are aware of an incident which led to the arrest of a teacher at Sunrise Elementary. The teacher in question has been placed on administrative leave while law enforcement conducts their investigation.
“Our commitment to student safety remains unwavering. We will continue to take all necessary measures to protect our students and uphold the trust you have placed in us.
“Thank you for your support and understanding.”