Clark Co. teacher charged with abuse

WINCHESTER, Ky. (WTVQ) – Police have arrested a Clark Co. Preschool teacher after discovering bruising on her daughter.  Cheryl Lockhart, 45, was arrested late Wednesday evening on charges of second-degree criminal abuse.  According to the arrest report, after the child failed to come home from school, officers received a tip that she was at another residence.  When they arrived, investigators say the child told them she didn’t want to go home because she was afraid she might be harmed by her mother.

Clark Co. Superintendent Paul Christy has released a statement saying, "We are aware of the situation and are cooperating fully with Law Enforcement Agencies and Social Services. We are also conducting our own internal investigation as this does involve an employee of this district. After all appropriate investigations are completed; we will make an informed decision as to how we will resolve this matter. We want to assure our community that the safety of our students is always our number one priority."