Custodian charged after reportedly assaulting Bates Middle student

Sumter Police Department arrested a school custodian after a student reported an assault  to school officials. 

The reported incident occurred on Thursday, Oct. 16, when a student was drinking from a water fountain in the hallway at Bates Middle School, according to Tonyia McGirt, public information officer for the police department. The student then reported the incident to school officials, who notified police. 

No further details or specifics on the incident were released.

Based on interviews and video surveillance, Dorothy Keisha Johnson, 48, of Sumter, was charged with second-degree assault and battery and booked at Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center, McGirt said.  

Johnson was hired by the district on Aug. 22, 2024, according to Shelly Galloway,  executive director of communication and community engagement for the district. 

Video will not be made available for release, as it involves a minor and remains part of an ongoing investigation.