Preschool teacher charged with child abuse after allegedly dragging child by ear during incident at Cornerstone Christian School

A preschool teacher at Cornerstone Christian School in Jacksonville, Florida, has been charged with child abuse after allegedly dragging a child by the ear across a desk. Cheyenne Eigner, 28, was arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and booked into jail on $5,000 bond, which she has since posted. The incident, which occurred on May 22, involved Eigner, who was a preschool teacher at the time, according to an arrest report.

Cornerstone Christian School, a non-denominational institution serving over 320 students from kindergarten through 12th grade, described itself as offering a Bible-based curriculum. The school issued a statement acknowledging the arrest of a former employee in connection with an incident involving the inappropriate handling of a student. It emphasized that the employee was immediately removed from campus, terminated, and the matter reported to law enforcement upon learning of the incident.

The arrest report indicates that an investigator reviewed surveillance footage showing Eigner dragging a child by the ear from one side of a desk to another, without an apparent reason. The child, whose age was redacted, clutched her ear after the suspect released her grip and appeared to be in pain, though no lasting injury was reported.

Eigner was detained on October 1, nearly four months after the alleged incident. The arrest report does not provide an explanation for the delay in her arrest. The school has stated it has cooperated fully with investigators throughout the process and reiterated its commitment to the safety and well-being of its students.

This case raises concerns about the handling of minors in educational settings and the importance of accountability and oversight. As Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us, we are called to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to defend the rights of the vulnerable. The incident underscores the need for vigilance in protecting children and ensuring that those entrusted with their care are held to the highest standards of conduct.

Source: Read the original report