A woman in South Carolina is facing serious charges after allegedly impersonating someone else to secure a job at an elementary school, where she later attacked a student with special needs. Bryia Lattimore Scott, who had been working as a temporary special education teacher at Waterloo Elementary School, was arrested after an investigation revealed that she had been using a fake identity to gain employment. Scott had posed as a woman named Viola Church, a name she used to deceive the school district into hiring her.
The case came to light when the Laurens County School District 55 contacted the sheriff’s office about an individual impersonating another person to gain employment. Scott had started working at the school in September 2024 and had been employed through Aya Healthcare, a staffing agency that connects professionals with temporary positions. While working at the school, Scott was responsible for teaching students, including those with special needs.
Scott’s fraudulent activities were exposed after an anonymous tip was received by the school principal, which led to the discovery of her true identity. The school then contacted law enforcement, and an investigation ensued. In the course of the investigation, authorities learned that Scott had been using fraudulent documentation to secure her job, a violation of the law. She was arrested on December 19, 2024, and charged with identity fraud to unlawfully obtain employment.
However, the situation took a darker turn when a concerned parent reported an incident involving Scott and a child in her classroom. Further investigation revealed that on December 18, 2024, Scott had allegedly assaulted a special needs child. The assault was reported by teaching aides who were working with students in the same classroom. The aides were commended for their courage in stepping forward and reporting the incident, as they were instrumental in bringing the situation to light.
As a result of the assault allegations, Scott was arrested again on December 30, 2024, and charged with unlawful conduct towards a child. The sheriff’s office expressed gratitude to the aides for their timely reporting, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable children from harm. Sheriff Don Reynolds praised the aides for their willingness to come forward, highlighting that their actions reflected a shared concern for the well-being of the students.
Interestingly, some parents, including Becca Craine, whose son was one of Scott’s students, expressed shock and disbelief at the news. Craine had praised Scott for her work with her son, who has severe autism. She noted that her son had made significant progress under Scott’s guidance, and she had believed Scott to be a great teacher. Craine’s statement reflected the complexity of the situation, as many had trusted Scott due to her apparent dedication to the students.
The case has raised concerns about the vetting process for individuals employed in schools, particularly those working with vulnerable children. The school district and staffing agency Aya Healthcare have both expressed their deep concern over the incident and pledged to cooperate with the authorities. The investigation is ongoing, and more details may emerge as the case develops.
This disturbing case underscores the need for thorough background checks and scrutiny in hiring practices, especially when it comes to positions involving the care and education of children with special needs. The community remains shaken by the revelation of the teacher’s deception and the alleged assault, and many are left questioning how such a breach of trust could have occurred.
