Education

She then allegedly took a female third-grade student around the corner and closed a fire door. She was accused of using one hand to grab the student's crotch over her clothing, while using the other to keep the door closed or to hold onto the student, who was trying to push her away. The alleged grabbing lasted for about one minute. Hites-Clabaugh then allowed the student to return to the others, but later told her not to say anything, according to the account.
When the regular teacher returned to work, the student told her that the substitute teacher had touched her between the legs, according to the account, triggering the investigation by Woodburn police.
The opinion raises several questions about the case against Hites-Clabaugh, noting that the Woodburn officer did not view the school hallway where the alleged abuse occurred and did not interview any other students or teachers. The student could not name the substitute teacher nor could she identify Hites-Clabaugh at the trial. The police officer admitted that he did not know the county's protocols for investigating child abuse.
Hites-Clabaugh maintained that the abuse never took place. But in her trial, presided over by Marion County Circuit Judge Lynn Ashcroft, a jury found her guilty in a 10-2 verdict. Marion County Circuit Judge Dale Penn sentenced her in August 2010 to a prison term of six years and three months.