Preschool Teacher Accused of Dragging Student by Feet, Leaving Him Alone in Hallway

Stacy Vaughn-Marcella faces felony charge after alleged incident at Connecticut magnet school

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a child's small hand clutching a wooden toy block, the harsh lighting and dark background creating a stark, investigative aesthetic.A harsh, gritty close-up of a child's hand symbolizes the alleged mistreatment at a Connecticut preschool.Hartford Today

A 61-year-old preschool teacher in Connecticut has been charged with a felony count of risk of injury to a child after allegedly dragging a young student by his feet across a classroom and dumping him in a hallway, where she left him alone for several minutes before another faculty member intervened.

Why it matters

The incident has raised concerns about teacher conduct and student safety protocols at the University of Hartford Magnet School, where the alleged abuse occurred. It also highlights the need for timely communication with parents when such incidents come to light.

The details

According to a police affidavit, the incident unfolded shortly before nap time on Dec. 1, 2025, when the 3- or 4-year-old boy became upset and started throwing items in the classroom. Witnesses said the teacher, Stacy Vaughn-Marcella, took the boy down, and while he was lying on his back, "dragged him by the feet out the door to a common area," where he remained for five to 10 minutes before a staff member found him "crying in a corner." Surveillance video captured part of the incident, though the view was partially blocked.

  • The incident occurred on Dec. 1, 2025.
  • Vaughn-Marcella was arrested on Jan. 22, 2026.
  • Vaughn-Marcella is scheduled to appear in court on April 29, 2026.

The players

Stacy Vaughn-Marcella

A 61-year-old preschool teacher at the University of Hartford Magnet School who has been charged with a felony count of risk of injury to a child.

University of Hartford Magnet School

The Connecticut school where the alleged incident took place.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As [the child] continued to kick in her direction, his body was moving on the floor. As [the child] continued to kick with 'all of his might,' she grabbed one of his legs to stop the kicking, but 'he flailed and kicked her with a different foot.' When they reached the door, 'she let him go out the door' and closed it.”

— Stacy Vaughn-Marcella, Preschool Teacher

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on April 29 whether to allow Vaughn-Marcella to be released on bond.

The takeaway

This incident has raised serious concerns about teacher conduct and student safety protocols at the University of Hartford Magnet School, prompting questions about the school's handling of the situation and the need for more transparent communication with parents.