Oklahoma Teacher Accused of Assaulting Students

(Verdigris, Oklahoma) An art teacher at the Lower Elementary School in Verdigris, April Beth Cohenour, has been accused of pushing, punching and forcefully grabbing some of her elementary school students.

Cohenour faces nine counts of assault and battery on her students.

She was placed on administrative leave last month, after police say several of her students went home with marks on their bodies.

"We took it seriously and we followed through with an investigation," said Chief Jack Shackelford, of Verdigris Police.

Verdigris Police Chief Jack Shackelford said a three-week investigation uncovered April Beth Cohenour had assaulted nine students, ages 7 through 10.

"I think she handled them a little roughly," Shackelford said.

Cohenour was booked into custody at the Rogers County Jail and released on $6,500 bond.