Erin Wheeler, a 34-year-old special education teacher at South Carolina Whitmore School in Columbia, faces charges of unlawful neglect of a child after allegedly punching a minor in the forehead and upper body on November 27, 2025. The incident occurred off school property and did not involve one of her students, resulting in bruises on the child’s arms from blocking the blows.
Court Proceedings
During a January 15, 2026, hearing in Lexington County, a judge set Wheeler’s bond at $2,500 and ordered no contact with the victim or their family. The child’s mother criticized the bond amount as too low, while Wheeler’s attorney described her as a prominent community figure.
School Recognition and Response
Wheeler was named the school’s “2025 Teacher of the Year” in March 2025 for her compassion and advocacy for students. Following her arrest, South Carolina Whitmore School placed her on paid administrative leave, confirming the incident was unrelated to her employment or school students.
Legal Consequences
The charge under South Carolina law involves unlawfully placing a child at risk or causing harm, carrying a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison. The school is cooperating with the ongoing investigation by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.
