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Schools

Teacher aide accused of abusing student

By Times Staff Writer
Published May 22, 2005

TAMPA - A Hillsborough County teacher's aide was arrested and charged Friday with child abuse. She is accused of grabbing a student around the neck.

Yolanda B. Sykes, 33, of 626 Coronet St., Plant City, was released on $2,000 bail Friday night. The incident occurred at Brandon Alternative School in Seffner. Brandon caters to students who have been expelled from the traditional classroom and those with discipline problems.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Sykes confronted a sixth-grader who took candy without paying. She grabbed the 13-year-old boy around the neck and pushed him onto a desk. The student tried to escape but Sykes pushed him back over a desk, authorities said.

The Sheriff's Office found that the student had scratches around his neck.

Sykes, who has worked with the school system since January 2000, is on paid leave, said Linda Cobbe, a school system spokesperson. Before an employee can be placed on unpaid leave, the matter must go before the School Board for a vote, Cobbe said. The board meets again June 7, she said.

"Once the board meets, she would then be suspended without pay, pending the outcome of the legal case," Cobbe said.

[Last modified May 22, 2005, 01:06:16]