Henry County Therapist Charged With Aggravated Child Abuse

PARIS — A therapist working with a student at Rhea Elementary School faces a felony charge following allegations that she struck a 5-year-old child with a lunchbox.

Jennifer Reynolds, 54, was arrested October 8, two days after the reported incident at the Paris elementary school.

According to published reports citing law enforcement records, Reynolds allegedly used a hard lunchbox to strike the child on the right side of the face while inside a school hallway.

Reynolds was identified as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist who provided assistance to the student during the school day. The child received additional support to help address behavioral difficulties and anxiety.

ABA therapy uses behavioral and learning techniques to help individuals develop communication, social and everyday living skills.

The child's parents told WBBJ-TV that school personnel contacted them shortly after the incident. Reynolds was removed from the school, and the student was evaluated by the school nurse.

Following her arrest, Reynolds was booked into custody and released on bond later that day.

The Tennessee Department of Children's Services is conducting a separate investigation into the allegations.

Reynolds is expected to appear in court October 20.

Authorities have not publicly released additional details about what preceded the incident or the extent of the child's injuries. The name of the therapy company involved has not been confirmed in the available reports.