Lee County elementary school teacher arrested and allegedly punched 7-year-old in the face

LOACHAPOKA, Ala. (WRBL) – An investigation, including video evidence, led to the arrest of a Loachapoka elementary school teacher on allegations she punched a child in the face.

On April 18, Lee County Sheriff’s deputies received a report from the principal of Loachapoka Elementary School. The principal alleged to investigators that first-grade teacher Brittney Denise Buford, 32, of Auburn, struck a 7-year-old student in the face with his forearm at about 2:43 p.m. on April 17. Investigators obtained evidence, including videos from the classroom.

On May 9, 2024, Buford was arrested by Lee County Sheriff’s investigators for third-degree assault. She has since been released on $1,000 bail.

WRBL is in the process of contacting the Lee County Schools Superintendent for comment.