Covington teacher arrested for child abuse

A Covington teacher was arrested Thursday and charged with cruelty to juveniles. Monica Bates, 48, was arrested Tuesday by Covington police following an incident involving a student at Lyon Elementary School last week. Police did not elaborate on the incident, but said it occurred while Bates was with the student during class time. The 48-year-old woman is listed on the school’s website as a “special needs teacher.” Bates was summoned to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Bail has not yet been set by the judge.