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Elgin Today
By the People, for the People
Two Oklahoma Teachers Accused of Assaulting Elementary Students
Incidents at Elgin Elementary School lead to arrests and terminations.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:38pm
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Security camera footage captures the violent assault on a young student, sparking outrage and demands for accountability.Elgin TodayTwo teachers at Elgin Elementary School in Oklahoma have been charged with assault and battery for separate incidents involving physical altercations with young students. Elizabeth Kay Sutton, a teacher's aide, allegedly struck a 10-year-old boy in the face, while Ottoria McClung, a personal care assistant, was seen putting a 5-year-old student in a chokehold and carrying him down a hallway.
Why it matters
These incidents raise serious concerns about the safety and well-being of students in the Elgin school district. They also highlight the importance of thorough background checks, professional references, and ongoing monitoring of teacher behavior to ensure a safe learning environment for children.
The details
In the first incident, Sutton allegedly grabbed a 10-year-old boy, forced him back to his seat, and then struck him in the face. The incident was caught on security camera and reported by the school principal. Sutton pleaded not guilty to the assault charge, claiming the student had been "difficult" since returning from a break. In the second incident, McClung was allegedly seen putting a 5-year-old student in a chokehold and carrying him down a hallway. A witness reported the child was crying and had a red face.
- The incident involving Sutton occurred in late 2025.
- The incident involving McClung took place on March 13, 2026, just months after the Sutton incident.
The players
Elizabeth Kay Sutton
A 38-year-old teacher's aide at Elgin Elementary School who was charged with assault and battery for allegedly striking a 10-year-old student in the face.
Ottoria McClung
A 37-year-old personal care assistant at Elgin Elementary School who was charged with assault and battery for allegedly putting a 5-year-old student in a chokehold and carrying him down a hallway.
Gabe Winn
The principal of Elgin Elementary School who reported the incident involving Sutton to the 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.
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 scheduled to appear in court on May 20, 2026 to face the assault and battery charges.
The takeaway
These incidents underscore the critical importance of thorough vetting, ongoing monitoring, and zero tolerance for any violence or abuse against students in our schools. Elgin Public Schools must continue to prioritize student safety and ensure that all employees are held to the highest standards of conduct.
