A first-grade teacher from Stewarts Creek Elementary, Jill-Marie Haynes, is facing serious charges of aggravated assault and false imprisonment, with her court hearing now rescheduled for January 5, 2024. Haynes was initially set to appear in court on December 1, but the date was postponed. The allegations stem from an incident that occurred on November 4, 2023, where Haynes allegedly threatened another teacher.
According to Rutherford County Schools spokesman James Evans, Haynes has been on unpaid suspension since November 6, pending the outcome of the investigation by the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. During this time, Evans emphasized that there were no students present during the incident in question.
The investigation revealed that Haynes reportedly confronted another teacher, reportedly yelling at her for being in her classroom, and then following her into another room where she blocked her exit. Allegedly, Haynes displayed a paper cutter, making threats about using it during their exchange. The other teacher reported feeling unsafe due to Haynes’ actions.
In a statement regarding the accusations, Haynes described her comment about the paper cutter as a “very poor joke.” Following the incident, she was taken into custody at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center and later released on a $6,000 bond.
Haynes’ attorney, Ben Powers, confirmed that he will represent her during the upcoming court hearing, but he declined to make any comments at this time.
This situation has drawn attention as it not only impacts the individuals involved but also raises concerns about the environment within educational settings. The community is hopeful for a resolution that will reinforce the importance of safety and professionalism in schools.