Mexico teacher charged after allegedly abusing a student

Editors Note: The headline has been updated to reflect the teacher was charged.

MEXICO, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Eugene Field Elementary PE Teacher in Mexico was charged after an April 27 incident involving a student.

An Audrain County prosecutor has charged Katrina Dukes with abuse or neglect of a child and first–degree endangering the welfare of a child – physical injury.

Dukes is accused of using a large bag of balls to hit a 9-year-old student. The victim told police that Dukes swung the bag o balls at him twice, missing the first time and then hitting him the second time, according to court documents.

The victim showed the student resource office a bruise on his leg, according to the probable cause statement.

The school resource officer reviewed video footage from the gym that showed Dukes allegedly hitting the student. The school resource officer also spoke to a witness that said Dukes hit the victim “so hard,” according to court documents.

Dukes is still listed as a teacher at the Mexico School District. ABC 17 has reached out to the Mexico School District on Dukes’ job status and has not heard back.

Dukes has an initial court appearance scheduled for August 2. Dukes does not have a defense attorney listed according to online court records.