Arrest of Teacher at Sunrise Elementary, Palm Bay
PALM BAY, FLORIDA (August 23rd, 2024): The Palm Bay Police Department arrested Beatriz Rapisarda, a 41-year-old teacher at Sunrise Elementary School, on charges of child abuse and false imprisonment. The arrest occurred on August 22nd at the school following a detailed investigation into allegations involving a student in the intellectually disabled classroom.
The investigation revealed that Rapisarda physically pushed the student and restrained the child by grabbing their wrists. These actions were witnessed by several individuals. After a thorough review of sworn statements and evidence, sufficient probable cause was established for her arrest.
Rapisarda was taken into custody at the school and has been booked into the Brevard County Jail. The Palm Bay Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of individuals within our community, especially our youth. We will continue to work closely with the school and our partners at the Department of Children and Families to ensure incidents such as this one are not repeated.
August 26, 2024 @ 1:39 pm
Thank God something’s being done about this school this is a school I pulled my son out of for physical abuse. That teacher is not the only one abusing special needs children. The assistant principal Miss merlasco also puts her hands on students including my son. And as retaliation for standing up for your child they call the cops on your child that school is a disgrace and something needs to be done.