This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A junior high school teacher who allegedly scratched a student in a classroom Wednesday faces a charge of child abuse.
Mapleton Junior High school English teacher Adam Chappell asked a student to stay after class, said Mapleton Police Chief John Jackson on Friday. When the student tried to leave the classroom, Chappell blocked his way and scratched the student in the process, Jackson said.
Mapleton police cited Chappell, 28, with a Class B misdemeanor for reckless child abuse because of the scratch, which Jackson said didn't require medical attention.
A class B misdemeanor could be punishable by jail time of up to six months and a possible $1,000 fine. A judge typically decides to issue a fine rather than a jail sentence in a person's first offense, according to Jackson.
The student's parents "don't hold a grudge against the teacher," said Jackson, and "they wish him well."
Nebo School District spokeswoman Lana Hiskey confirmed that Chappell is on leave during the investigation.
Chappell has been at Mapleton Junior High for three years after completing his internship at the school, said Hiskey.