SCSO: Mother and daughter charged with assaulting student at Ebenezer Middle School

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office says a mother and daughter are behind bars, accused of assaulting a middle school student.

At about 2:30 p.m. on May 18, 2022, authorities say the resource officer at Ebenezer Middle School called for backup, referencing a fight in progress. Once backup arrived, deputies say 67-year-old Mamie Smith and 32-year-old Whitney Smith were detained. Investigators say the duo buzzed the front door of the school and told school staff they needed to go to the attendance office. Once buzzed into the building, deputies say both women ran down the hallway and confronted a juvenile. According to authorities, they pushed the student against a wall, began hitting her and scratched her in the face and head. Deputies say another student was pushed and hit, and a third was assaulted.

One of the students assaulted was taken to the hospital by EMS, another was taken to medical treatment by her parents and the third was released to their parents.

“This type of behavior is criminal and should never be considered as the appropriate way to deal with matters. It is my understanding that these two subjects were responding to the school because they believed their family member was being bullied. Our investigation showed that the students who were viciously attacked were not even the students who these subjects believed had bullied their family member.” Sheriff Dennis reiterated that taking these types of matters into your own hands is never the answer. He further stated: “We work very hard to protect all students in our schools. The fact is, the students who were reported as bullying these subject’s family member was actually in the office being dealt with when this attack took place,” said Sheriff Anthony Dennis.

Whitney and Mamie Smith were taken to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center. They are both charged with assault by mob third degree and disturbing schools. Authorities say a bond hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

ABC Columbia reached out to Sumter School District for comment about the incident. Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox says “Sumter School District works diligently to ensure the safety of our students and staff is our number one priority every day. We have safety protocols in place that are adhered to, and we continue to remind staff what those procedures are.  Our expectation is for visitors to be admitted through the outdoor security system after stating their purpose for entry. Based on the information that was shared with the staff, it was described as official business for the visit. This unfortunate situation is deeply disturbing, when the intent is not fully disclosed to gain access to children. We will continue to revisit our safety protocols to see if adjustments and modifications need to be made and will do so in an expedient manner where necessary.

This incident serves as a reminder to us all that we must work together to ensure the safety of our academic environment.  We would also like to remind our parents and students that if they are experiencing difficulties, there are supports available to provide them with assistance. School social workers will be available to offer support to students at the school. Together, we can help ensure the safety of our students and staff.”