CUTHBERT, Ga. (WALB) - A Randolph County School District (RCSD) paraprofessional was arrested for allegedly grabbing, shoving and holding a special needs student on the floor in the classroom.

According to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Carlton Simmons was arrested following an incident between him and a student on Friday, Sept. 26 at Randolph Clay Middle School.

The 69-year-old faces one count of cruelty to children in the first degree, six counts of cruelty to children in the third degree and one count of simple battery.

According to an incident report, deputies spoke with staff who witnessed the incident and obtained classroom security footage.

Deputies said the video showed “... a special needs teacher identified as Mr. Carlton Simmons (B/M age 69) grabbing, shoving and holding a special needs student on the floor in the classroom.”

The report continued to say that after interviews, it was determined that Simmons allegedly “...threw the special needs student on the floor, threw an iPad at him and held his head onto the floor.”

Finally, it stated, “...Mr. Simmons did admit that he held the students’ head down. Mr. Simmons also stated that he would often use ‘resistance’ on the special needs student to prevent him from getting up.”

As of Oct. 13, Simmons is still listed as a Special Education Paraprofessional on the school’s website.

WALB reached out to RCSD Superintendent Dr. Tangela Madge several times to see if Simmons is still employed with the school district. We have not yet heard back.

According to jail officials, Simmons is out on bond.

We are working to learn more about his bond conditions and when he’s expected in court.

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