Hanford Kindergarten Teacher Arrested on Suspicion of Child Abuse

HANFORD, CA (KMJ) – A kindergarten teacher in Hanford is arrested on suspicion of child abuse.

At around 8:00 Tuesday morning, the Hanford PD School Resource Officer Unit learned about the alleged abuse taking place at Lee Richmon School.

Hanford Police said an underage victim allegedly sustained injuries through a teacher’s actions.

An investigation was launched, and as a result officers placed 44-year-old Melissa Ediger under arrest for child abuse and intimidating / dissuading a witness.

She was booked into the Kings County Jail on April 9, 2019 but released the same day after posting bail.

The Hanford Elementary School District released a statement from Superintendent Joy C. Gabler:

Student safety is a priority of the Hanford Elementary School District. The District cooperated with the Hanford Police Department investigation and the employee has been placed on Administrative Leave. Due to the fact that this is a confidential personnel matter I am not at liberty share any additional information.

 

Click to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern: