Local teacher Eugena Jones found not guilty of assault charges; her response
Davidson Local reported that on January 6, 2025, Eugena Rachelle Jones, a teacher at Ledford Middle School, was issued a criminal summons for simple assault on January 2, 2025. The incident allegedly occurred on December 2, 2024, involving a 12-year-old student. The summons stated that Jones, while demonstrating to the class, put her arm around the student, causing the student to go to the floor and dragging her on the floor. Several parents and administrators confirmed these allegations. Jones was scheduled to appear in Davidson County Court on January 23, 2025.
Jones wrote a request to the media, highlighting that teachers often face immense challenges beyond the classroom in the world of education. For one educator, the journey took an unexpected turn when she found herself fighting for her career and reputation. Jones was found not guilty during a trial on March 13, 2025.
"I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to my lawyer, Gentry Palmer, for his unwavering support during these challenging times. Thanks to his expertise and commitment, I was vindicated and found not guilty."
Jones says, "Teaching is no easy profession, and stepping into an unfamiliar classroom mid-year presents an even steeper challenge. When I assumed my role in mid-October, my seventh-grade students had already endured a month with a substitute teacher. Establishing order was an uphill battle, and resistance from students made it even more difficult." When she assumed her role in mid-October, her seventh-grade students had already endured a month with a substitute teacher. She said "establishing order" was a challenge and resistance from students made it even more difficult.
"It's no secret that math teachers often occupy a less-than-favorable position in students' hearts. Establishing order can feel like an uphill battle when you don’t start the academic year with your class. Unfortunately, my students resisted my efforts to manage the classroom and even conspired to have me dismissed with untruths. Yet, throughout this ordeal, I felt a profound sense of divine guidance."
Jones said, "Faith has played a significant role in my resilience."
Jone wrote in a statement, "I am a proud child of God, a devoted mother to a two-year-old son, and the daughter of the late Dr. Eugene Jones Jr., a distinguished science professor at Cheyney University. I also carry the legacy of my mother, the late Sandra O’Hara-Harmon, who was an special education teacher and civil rights activist. Additionally, I serve as an Army veteran."
According to Jones, "The past two months have been filled with undue stress, particularly when I reflect on the fact that the same mother once attempted to sue another teacher last year. This situation is deeply unfair, as I have my own family to support, and a simple assault charge could have jeopardized my career and left me unable to provide for them. I have dedicated the last three to four years to teaching children in South Carolina, earning positive evaluations and building a reputation for excellence."
She also wrote, "The past two months have been filled with undue stress, particularly when I reflect on the fact that the same mother once attempted to sue another teacher last year. This situation is deeply unfair, as I have my own family to support, and a simple assault charge could have jeopardized my career and left me unable to provide for them. I have dedicated the last three to four years to teaching children in South Carolina, earning positive evaluations and building a reputation for excellence."
According to Jones, "It is essential that we begin to humanize our teachers in the eyes of our students and address the actions of opportunistic parents. Together, we can cultivate a more respectful and compassionate educational environment."
Davidson Local broke the story about the accusations, revealing that the Davidson County District Attorney charged her. Jones declined an interview at the time but says that despite the public scrutiny, she remained steadfast in her belief that justice and the truth would ultimately prevail.
