CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A substitute teacher for Harrison County Schools was charged Thursday with felony battery of a disabled child.

Patty Butler, 69, of Quiet Dell, pleaded not guilty during her initial appearance before Harrison Magistrate Mike Weiss and is presumed innocent.

If convicted, Butler could face a prison term of 1 to 5 years, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

Harrison Deputy Donald Navarini investigated, according to Harrison Sheriff's Detective Lt. Zachary Mealey.

Navarini, the prevention resource officer at Nutter Fort Elementary for Sheriff Robert Matheny II, "was made aware of an incident" at the school on Nov. 3, according to the complaint.

"The defendant was heard by a witness telling the victim that 'if you hit me, I'll hit you,' and a teacher's aide saw Mrs. Butler

See Full Page