PRECHAE RODRIGUEZ

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Behavior Support Teacher for punching a child with autism. The incident took place at Eisenhower Exceptional Center.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, police learned about the alleged abuse of the child that took place on February 8, 2024, at Eisenhower Middle School.

On February 19, 2024, detectives arrested Prechae Rodriguez, 39, for the abuse of a nine-year-old student with autism who is also non-verbal.

Through investigative means, detectives learned of an incident on February 8, 2024, where the student struck Rodriguez with his hand. Rodriguez then punched the child in the face, causing the child to fall to the ground. Rodriguez is facing one count of child abuse.

The investigation is active and ongoing.