Three Autauga County educators arrested after child abuse investigation

PRATTVILLE, Ala. (WAKA) – The Autauga County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrests of three former employees at Billingsley School following an investigation into child abuse.

One is a former teacher while the other two are former teacher aides. Investigators say the alleged child abuse happened in a special needs classroom involving students assigned to that class.

Those arrested are former teacher Kendra Spencer and former teacher aides Jennifer Davis and Shayla Johnson.

The sheriff’s office says the investigation started after allegations of abuse were reported to law enforcement and the Autauga County school board. Together, they reviewed hundreds of hours of surveillance video and other evidence. The sheriff’s office says video documented the abuse.

“This investigation required an extraordinary amount of time and resources due to the extensive video evidence that had to be carefully reviewed,” Sheriff Mark Harrell said. “Our investigators worked diligently to ensure every allegation was thoroughly examined and properly documented with the help of the school board. The school board immediately removed the individuals from the classroom once allegations were alleged,” he said.

The sheriff’s office says the investigation is continuing with more video being reviewed. More charges could come.

If you have information to help investigators, call the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office at (334) 361-2500.