Preschool Employees Charged with Assault

     

Cherie Evette Diggs                Lisa Campbell

Police were called to the Franconia/Springfield Healthplex at around 11:51 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, for a report of a juvenile abuse case. The mother of the victim reported finding bruises on her 4-year-old daughter. The injuries were believed to be sustained earlier in the day at James L. & Juliette McNeil Preschool Academy (private school) located at 8543 Forest Place, in Alexandria. Detectives conducted an extensive investigation and presented their findings to the magistrate who found that there was probable cause to issue warrants for simple assault for the victim’s teacher and teacher’s assistant. Child Protective Services was notified and is assisting in the investigation. According to the academy, both employees have been terminated.

The assistant, Cherie Evette Diggs, 40, of Alexandria, was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery. She turned herself in at the Mount Vernon District Station on Wednesday, May 3, and the warrant was served.

The teacher, Lisa Campbell, 38, of Woodbridge, was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery. She turned herself in at the Mount Vernon District Station today, May 4, and the warrant was served.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers electronically by visiting http://www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text-a-tip by texting “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES(274637)** or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.