Teacher arrested for doing what she warned students against - WSMV Channel 4

Teacher arrested for doing what she warned students against

Teachers are supposed to be a shining example for their students. But a teacher in Rutherford County was arrested after turning to violence when she thought her fiance was cheating on her.

Amanda Bevis, 37, is a fourth grade teacher at Barfield Elementary School. On her class web page tells her students to "Always show respect" and "Keep your hands and feet to self."

It's what she is accused of doing with her hands during the wee hours of Sunday morning that landed her in jail.

It all started when a friend called her to let her know, her fiance, Gerald King, was with another woman inside his Hazelwood Street apartment.

"Due to the fact she came to the residence and forced her way inside ... she had no right to enter the apartment, and then verbally and physically attack Mr. King," said Sgt. Kyle Evans, Murfreesboro Police spokesman.

King had numerous scratches on his face, throat, neck and forearms, according to police. Bevis was determined to be the primary aggressor, so she was arrested for domestic assault and aggravated burglary. Police said she also caused about $300 worth of damage to the patio door frame.

"Teachers are in the spotlight a little bit more because they are public figures and they have to set an example for their students," said Evans.

School officials said the teacher did report her arrest to her principal. District policy allows employees who are arrested to report it within 72 hours.

King spoke with Channel 4 News by phone and said the situation was blown out of proportion.

"Bevis is a good, professional person who loves her job, and she doesn't deserve what's happening to her," said King. "I never wanted charges to be filed against her; it was police who pursued it."

"Officers were left with no choice because the domestic violence law is clear," said Evans. "If you are the primary aggressor an arrest must be made. There is no leeway on whether an arrest can occur in a domestic situation."

Bevis is still in the classroom, and since her arrest was not related to her job duty, she will not face any disciplinary actions from the school district at this time, because she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Bevis is out of jail on $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court in November.

King is hoping to work out a deal with the Rutherford County district attorney to have the charges against Bevis dropped.