Muscogee County teacher accused of choking student requests immunity, enters plea

Teacher claims she did not choke student, but only grabbed his shoulders and told him to be quiet

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A Muscogee County teacher charged with simple battery after allegedly choking a student has waived her arraignment hearing and entered a plea of not guilty. The teacher, Jody Russell, has filed a motion of immunity, claiming her actions were protected under Georgia law as discipline of a student. Russell alleges the student had become progressively more disruptive and that she only grabbed his shoulders, not his neck, and told him to be quiet. The school district investigated the incident, suspended Russell for three days, and transferred her to another school, where she remains employed.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges teachers face in managing disruptive student behavior, as well as the legal protections and limitations around the use of physical force in disciplining students. It also raises questions about transparency and accountability in how school districts investigate and respond to such incidents.

The details

Jody Russell, a special education teacher in the Muscogee County School District, is accused of choking a 14-year-old student with Down syndrome on November 5, 2025. Russell has taught in the district for 12 years and was teaching students with moderate intellectual disabilities at the time of the incident. Russell's attorney has filed a motion of immunity, claiming her actions were protected under Georgia law as discipline of a student. The motion alleges the student had become progressively more disruptive, both vocally and physically, and that Russell only grabbed his shoulders and told him to be quiet, not choke him. The school district investigated the incident, suspended Russell for three days, and transferred her to another school, where she remains employed. The incident was caught on video.

  • On November 5, 2025, the alleged incident occurred.
  • On February 6, 2026, Russell's attorney filed a motion of immunity on her behalf.
  • On February 13, 2026, Russell waived her arraignment hearing and entered a plea of not guilty.

The players

Jody Russell

A special education teacher in the Muscogee County School District who has taught for 12 years and was accused of choking a student.

Katrina Robinson

The mother of the 14-year-old student with Down syndrome who was allegedly choked by Russell.

Ann Brumbaugh

The attorney representing Jody Russell, who filed a motion of immunity on her behalf.

Muscogee County School District

The school district that employed Jody Russell and investigated the incident, suspending her for three days and transferring her to another school.

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What they’re saying

“Ms. Russell's actions do not amount to a crime and in any event are protected from criminal prosecution by O.C.G.A. 20-2-1001.”

— Ann Brumbaugh, Attorney for Jody Russell (ledger-enquirer.com)

“She did not touch his neck at all, let alone choke him. She did tell him to be quiet. (Student's initials) was not hurt.”

— Ann Brumbaugh, Attorney for Jody Russell (ledger-enquirer.com)

“The officer asked her whether she wanted to press charges, Robinson said, and she did.”

— Katrina Robinson, Mother of student (ledger-enquirer.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether or not to grant Jody Russell immunity from criminal prosecution.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges teachers face in managing disruptive student behavior and the need for clear policies and training around the appropriate use of physical force in disciplining students, while also ensuring accountability and transparency when such incidents occur.