Florida Teaching Assistant Accused of Beating Student With Special Needs Using His Own Shoe and Dragging Him Across the Floor

A 66-year-old teaching assistant in Florida has been arrested after allegedly striking a student with special needs using the student’s own shoe and dragging him across the floor during a confrontation at school, according to authorities.

Michael Anthony Jones was arrested on October 14, 2026, following an alleged incident at East Ridge High School in Clermont. He faces charges of cruelty toward a child through abuse without great bodily harm and simple battery, court records show.

Investigators say the confrontation was captured partly by school surveillance cameras and partly by a cellphone video recorded by another student.

Student Video Prompted Investigation

According to a probable cause affidavit cited by Law&Crime, a student approached a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy assigned to the school and showed the deputy a cellphone recording that allegedly depicted a physical altercation between Jones and another student.

The school’s assistant principal also provided surveillance footage from the gymnasium area.

The school video reportedly showed Jones and the student walking toward a doorway before briefly disappearing from view. Moments later, the student could be seen falling backward near the doorway.

Investigators said the footage then showed Jones approaching the student, who was lying on the ground and raising his feet in an apparent effort to keep Jones away.

Authorities Say Student Was Struck Repeatedly

According to the affidavit, Jones allegedly removed one of the student’s shoes and used it to strike him approximately four times.

Investigators said the alleged blows landed twice on the student’s bottom, once on what appeared to be his head, and once on his right arm.

Jones then allegedly grabbed the student and dragged him along the floor while attempting to lift him.

Because the school surveillance camera could no longer capture the entire encounter, investigators reviewed the cellphone video recorded by another student.

That recording allegedly showed the student getting back up and appearing to cower in front of Jones. Jones then allegedly struck him again, causing him to fall, before grabbing and dragging him once more.

The videos became key pieces of evidence in the investigation, according to authorities.

Teaching Assistant Gave His Account of the Incident

During an interview with deputies, Jones offered his explanation for the confrontation.

According to the arrest affidavit, Jones claimed the student had used the word “gay” and that he told the student he could not use the word. Jones further alleged that the student spat on him.

Jones reportedly acknowledged removing the student’s shoe and striking him with it, estimating that he had hit the student three or four times on the leg and arm.

He denied punching or pushing the student after the student had gotten back up. Jones allegedly told investigators he “may have touched” the student, causing him to fall backward.

When asked whether he knew the student had special needs, Jones reportedly responded that the students he worked with had special needs but said the student understood what was happening.

These statements were included in the affidavit and form part of the evidence authorities are examining.

School District Moves to Remove Jones From Campus

Lake County Schools told local news outlets that Jones would not be permitted to return to campus and could be terminated at an upcoming school board meeting.

Jones had worked for the school district since 2008, according to reporting by WESH. The station also reported that he received a written reprimand in 2017 for using inappropriate language in front of students.

The district’s employment decision is separate from the criminal case, which will determine whether the charges against Jones are proven.

Jones Released After Posting Bond

Following his arrest, Jones was booked into the Lake County Jail. Records cited by Law&Crime show that he posted $11,000 bond and was released on October 15.

Authorities had not publicly confirmed his next court date in the initial reports.

The case has raised serious concerns about student safety and the responsibility of school staff to protect children, particularly those who require additional support. Investigators are relying on video evidence and witness accounts to establish what happened during the confrontation.

Jones has been charged, but the allegations have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Sources: Law&Crime