Columbus, GA - A Muscogee County teacher is facing allegations of choking a 14-year-old non-verbal student with Down syndrome. The teacher, identified as Jody Russell, appeared before a judge in Columbus’ Recorder’s Court on Thursday for a summons hearing.
During the hearing, the judge said the court did not have jurisdiction over the case and bound it over to State Court for further proceedings.
Mother Says She Was Notified of Incident by School Officials
The student’s mother, Katrina Robinson, said her son has been in Russell’s classroom for the past two years. Robinson recounted receiving a call on Nov. 5 from the school’s principal and a school resource officer, notifying her that someone had witnessed the teacher choking her child.
“It’s something no parent should ever have to hear,” Robinson told media outlets following the hearing.
School District Responds to Allegations of Abuse by Teacher
The Muscogee County School District (MCSD) confirmed Russell’s court appearance and issued a statement detailing its handling of the situation.
“MCSD promptly conducted a thorough investigation into the incident,” the district stated. “The investigation included interviewing eyewitnesses and reviewing video footage. Appropriate personnel action was taken in November based on the findings of that investigation.”
The district said it has been cooperating with the State Solicitor’s Office as it reviews the misdemeanor charges filed by the parents but maintained that the family’s description of events conflicts with its findings.
“MCSD disagrees with that description. That is not consistent with the facts and video evidence gathered by MCSD,” the district’s statement said. The district cited privacy and ongoing legal proceedings as reasons for declining to share more details.
Legal Counsel Declines Comment
Russell’s attorney declined to comment following Thursday’s hearing. The teacher’s current employment status has not been publicly confirmed, and the State Court is expected to schedule the next hearing in the coming weeks.
Legal Options for Victims of Teacher Abuse
When allegations of abuse involve a trusted educator, families often feel overwhelmed by fear, confusion, and unanswered questions. To better understand the legal remedies available to victims and their families, our team sat down with Georgia sexual abuse lawyer John Bey. In this discussion, Bey explains how criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and school accountability laws work together to protect survivors and ensure that institutions take responsibility for misconduct within their classrooms.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When abuse—or any form of physical mistreatment—happens in a school setting, what can families do to protect their child’s rights?”
John Bey, Esq.: The first step is ensuring the child’s immediate safety through removal from the environment and a report to law enforcement. From a legal standpoint, families can pursue both criminal and civil routes. The school district, and sometimes individual employees, may be held accountable if negligence or policy failures played a part.
Banville: And in cases involving students with special needs?
Bey: Those cases require careful handling. There are additional protections under both state and federal law. Civil claims can address emotional, physical, and educational harm. An experienced attorney can help families evaluate whether the school’s response met its legal obligations.
Banville: So, even if criminal charges are pending, families can still act independently?
Bey: Yes. A civil claim doesn’t have to wait for the criminal case to finish. Families often pursue both, which helps ensure accountability on all fronts.
Take the First Step Toward Accountability
If your child or someone you love has been abused by a teacher or school employee, you don’t have to face it alone. Our legal team is committed to helping survivors understand their rights and take action against those responsible. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and learn how we can help you begin the path toward justice and healing.
