Grand Jury Indicts Former Milton Teacher on Abuse Charges

Police became involved in the child abuse case that started as a DFACS and personnel matter at Hopewell Middle School, shifted to a civil suit that revealed more alleged victims.

A Fulton County Grand Jury has returned an eleven count indictment against a former special needs teacher for allegedly abusing children in her care. 34-year-old Melanie Pickens is charged with Cruelty to Children and False Imprisonment in connection with the physical abuse of five Hopewell Middle School students.  Pickens faces a total of 11 counts on charges of cruelty to children and false imprisonment in connection with the physical abuse of five Hopewell Middle School students, the District Attorney's Office said today, Dec. 12. The alleged abuse occurred between 2004-2007 at the Fulton County middle school in Alpharetta, a release from the DA's office said. According to the investigation, the victims, who were all non-verbal, were …

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Spell Check

What To Do: Abuse

Tips on developing an eagle eye towards abuse.

In our culture, we pride ourselves on independence and freedom, yet we have a long history of sweeping things under the rug. I’ve been unfortunate enough in my life so far to experience every type of abuse—though I’m not always directly involved. I know avoiding every type of abuse for an entire lifetime might not be realistic, but it’s worth a shot. Abuse almost always starts in childhood and it can be doled out by the very hands that are meant to protect you. So pay attention. It wasn’t until after high school that I finally confided in my best friend about what I’d endured throughout childhood. I still don’t know how my parents and teachers missed the signs, but I know what to look for when I have kids one day. God help the people …

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Deena C. Spell

9:06 pm on Saturday, July 16, 2011

I know! It's so sad.   more ›