A former first-grade teacher at Greencastle Elementary is currently standing trial for child abuse and assault. Police began investigating Susan Burke, of Laurel, in January after one of her male students reported to Montgomery County Police that Burke choked him. 

Police reported that eight victims, all ages 6 and 7, were identified. All of the student victims reported that Burke had choked them, while others said that the teacher kicked, punched, scratched or squeezed their arms tightly, police said. The children said the abuses occurred at the school, located on 13611 Robey Road, during regular hours throughout the month of December 2010. 

Two young boys took the stand on Tuesday, Oct. 18 and reported that Burke “grabbed them around the neck with both hands as a method of discipline,” according to the Washington Examiner.

On Monday, Oct. 17, Burke’s attorney, Todd K. Mohink, cast suspicion on the students’ testimonies, according to the Gazette. He told the jury that initial interviews of the students done by school officials may not have been handled correctly.

Burke was charged with two counts of second-degree child abuse and 10 counts of second-degree assault, according to online court records. She faces up to 15 years in jail for each second-degree child abuse charge and up to 10 years in jail and a $2,500 fine for each second-degree assault charge. 

Burke's trial will continue throughout the week in the court of Judge Ronald Rubin in Rockville.