Two Oklahoma Elementary School Workers Accused of Assaulting Students

Authorities say Elizabeth Kay Sutton and Ottoria McClung were fired and charged with assault after separate incidents at Elgin Elementary School.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:34am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled piece of paper with a vivid red handprint, conveying the gritty, investigative nature of the alleged crimes against students.The harsh flash photography of a crumpled piece of paper with a red handprint serves as a stark visual metaphor for the disturbing allegations of physical abuse against young students.Elgin Today

Two employees at Elgin Elementary School in Oklahoma have been arrested and charged with assault for allegedly attacking young students in separate incidents. Elizabeth Kay Sutton, a teacher's aide, was accused of striking a 10-year-old boy in the face, while Ottoria McClung, a personal care assistant, was allegedly observed carrying a 5-year-old student in a chokehold. Both women were fired from their jobs following the allegations.

Why it matters

These incidents raise serious concerns about student safety and the vetting process for school employees. The school district has emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe environment for students, but the alleged actions of these two workers have undermined that goal and prompted questions about oversight and accountability.

The details

In the first incident on January 8, security camera footage allegedly showed Sutton, 38, grabbing a 10-year-old boy and forcing him back into his seat before striking him in the face. The boy's teacher later noticed a red mark on his face. Sutton claimed she was using a hold she was taught, but she was arrested and pleaded not guilty to assaulting the child. Months later, on March 13, McClung, 37, was allegedly observed carrying a 5-year-old student in a chokehold down a hallway while the child's face was red and he was crying and hitting McClung's arm. McClung was also arrested and fired following the allegations.

  • On January 8, the alleged incident involving Sutton occurred.
  • On March 13, the alleged incident involving McClung occurred.
  • Both Sutton and McClung are due to appear in court on May 20.

The players

Elizabeth Kay Sutton

A 38-year-old former teacher's aide at Elgin Elementary School who was arrested and charged with assault and battery upon a student after allegedly striking a 10-year-old boy in the face.

Ottoria McClung

A 37-year-old former personal care assistant at Elgin Elementary School who was arrested and charged with assault and battery upon a student after allegedly carrying a 5-year-old student in a chokehold.

Gabe Winn

The principal of Elgin Elementary School who reported the alleged incident involving Sutton to authorities.

Nate Meraz

The superintendent of Elgin Public Schools who stated that the district's highest priority is the safety and well-being of its students.

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What they’re saying

“If we have reasonable hesitation in the interview process, we will not employ you. Once employed, if you harm a student, you will be terminated. We are here to educate kids in a safe environment. Elgin Public Schools' highest priority is the safety and well-being of its students.”

— Nate Meraz, Superintendent, Elgin Public Schools

What’s next

Both Sutton and McClung are due to appear in court on May 20, where the judge will determine the next steps in their respective cases.

The takeaway

These incidents highlight the critical importance of thorough background checks, ongoing training, and strict accountability measures for all school employees to ensure the safety and well-being of students. The swift actions taken by the school district to terminate the accused workers and notify authorities demonstrate a commitment to upholding high standards, but further reforms may be necessary to prevent such disturbing incidents from occurring in the future.