Former Crown Point Teacher Charged with Battery on Autistic Student
A former Crown Point teacher is facing criminal charges after allegedly battering a 6-year-old non-verbal autistic student in her classroom.
Deborah R. Smith, 64, of Crown Point, is accused of physically mistreating the child during an incident on April 10, 2025, at Eisenhower Elementary School. According to court documents, two staff members reported witnessing Smith use force against the student. One stated she saw Smith grab the child by the shirt and shove him into a therapy swing, then later laugh and push his head back through a divider when he appeared to be stuck and choking. Another reported that Smith grabbed the child by the hair and pushed his head down toward his desk while yelling at him.
The child’s mother reported seeing redness under her son’s eye after the incident. Smith denied the accusations during a voluntary police interview, stating the child had thrown himself into the swing and that she only placed her hand on his head to stop him from rocking.
The charges were formally filed on May 29, 2025, and the case remains pending. A $445 cash bond was entered on May 30, 2025.
Charges Filed:
- Battery Against a Disabled Person – Level 6 Felony
- Battery – Class B Misdemeanor
District Statement:
On July 10, 2025, the Crown Point Community School Corporation (CPCSC) issued a public statement confirming that Deb Smith is no longer with the district and has not been in the classroom since April. While the district declined to share detailed HR information, it affirmed the following:
- Smith is no longer employed by the district.
- She has not worked in the classroom since the incident in April.
- The district responds to safety concerns by:
- Taking every concern seriously
- Reporting to and coordinating with law enforcement and DCS
- Removing staff from the educational setting during investigations
- Communicating with affected parents
The district reiterated its commitment to student safety and encouraged families with further questions to contact their building principal.
