News

Released: April 25, 2023 - Tuesday, 05:49 PM

Teacher Arrested for Child Abuse

Contact: Grace NorrisPhone: (805) 781-4483Date and time of incident: 4/25/23 Approximately 11:30 AMPlace of Occurrence: Mesa Middle School, Arroyo GrandeVictim Information: 13-year-old femaleSuspect Information: Sarah Watts, 42, Pismo BeachOn 4-25-23 the Sheriff's Office received a report of a battery against a Mesa Middle School student by a teacher. The 13-year-old student was in class when a teacher, 42-year-old Sarah Watts, reportedly came over and pulled a hairbrush from the students hand leaving visible injuries on the student. A few minutes later Watts reportedly began throwing papers at students causing the same student to sustain an additional injury, a cut to her temple. Watts was arrested by Sheriff's Detectives for child abuse under California Penal Code 273d(a), and is being booked at the San Luis Obispo County Jail.
The Sheriff's Office is working with the Lucia Mar Unified School District on this investigation. There is no on-going threat to students, staff, or the community at this time.