13-year-old hit on camera during online class, and man faces abuse charge, NC cops say
A man is accused of “forcefully” hitting a teenager during an online lesson in Western North Carolina, officials say.
The 13-year-old was sitting at a computer when the man put his arm around her jaw and squeezed, the Sylva Police Department said last week in a news release. Police say he later struck the girl in the head.
Someone in the class recorded the incident, and the footage was shared with officers and later the district attorney, according to Sylva police. Sylva, in Jackson County, is roughly 50 miles southwest of Asheville.
Officers identified the man on the video as Michael Bruce Huffman, 41, the news release said. Huffman is set to appear in court on Sept. 1 for misdemeanor charges of child abuse and assault on a female, state records show.
The alleged assault happened as schools across the country have considered virtual learning to start the school year. For some students, the coronavirus pandemic has halted in-person classes since the spring.
While people stay home to help stop the spread of COVID-19, some advocates have been concerned that kids could be stuck with family or household members who commit abuse. Sometimes, teachers and school counselors are the first to notice signs of child abuse or neglect, The News & Observer reported.
This story was originally published August 26, 2020 at 9:44 AM.
