Special education teacher Courtney Keaton faces child abuse allegations in Cobb County

COBB COUNTY, Ga.  — A Cobb County special education teacher has been arrested after authorities said she assaulted her foster child at her home.

Courtney Keaton faces one count of cruelty to children in the first degree. According to the school’s website, Keaton teaches pre-kindergarten special education at Russell Elementary School.

Police said officers were called to Keaton’s home last weekend for an incident involving one of her foster children.

According to court documents, investigators said Keaton struck the child with her fist, causing large bruises. Other foster children in the home told police that Keaton was the only adult who used physical discipline.

Investigators said several of the children appeared fearful of Keaton, and some alleged she had abused them. However, Keaton has been charged only in connection with the alleged assault of one child.

In a statement, the Cobb County School District said the allegations are not connected to any school activity, program or student.

“We recently became aware of the arrest and charges involving one of our staff members,” the district said. “The allegations are not connected to any school, activity, program or student. In accordance with district policy and applicable laws, and while the investigation is ongoing, this employee will not be present on any Cobb County school campus.”

The Cobb County Police Department said the investigation remains active, including allegations made by other children in the home.

Police said Keaton was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center and is being held without bond. Authorities said the children have been removed from the home and placed in a safe environment.

Investigators also said officers had been called to the home 16 times since 2024, though none of the previous calls were related to domestic incidents.