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RIPLEY, Tenn. (WMC) - A woman has been charged with child abuse after an investigation by the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office.

On October 1, Debbie Mays, an assistant teacher at Ripley Primary School, was charged with child abuse after a report alleged the assault involved a 5-year-old child with special needs.

Over the course of the investigation, deputies gathered statements from witnesses, documented reports of injuries to the child's face, and learned of statements made by May to other school staff regarding the incident.

A woman has been charged with child abuse after an investigation by the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office. (Lauderdale Co. Sheriff's Office)

 Any allegation involving the mistreatment or assault of a child is something we take seriously, especially when the child involved is particularly vulnerable. Our responsibility is to thoroughly investigate the facts and take appropriate action based upon the evidence presented,  Lauderdale County Sheriff Brian Kelly said.

A warrant was later issued for Mays in this incident.

The sheriff's office said that this remains an active and open investigation.

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