A teacher assistant from Banks Elementary School has been arrested for assault on a child under the age of 12.

On Friday, Nov. 1, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an assault that allegedly occurred between teacher assistant Sherrinita Caldwell, 45, and a student at Banks in the cafeteria. The student suffered minor bruising during the assault.

School officials immediately suspended the teacher assistant pending the outcome of the LCSO investigation. During the investigation, security footage was obtained warranting the issuance of criminal charges against Caldwell.

Caldwell, a Kinston resident, was charged with one count of assault on a child under the age of 12. A criminal summons was issued Nov. 1 but served on Wednesday. There was no bond due to it being a criminal summons.