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Iredell-Statesville school district continues investigation of bus driver

STATESVILLE, N.C. — An Iredell County bus driver has been charged with child abuse after dropping off a 12-year-old boy at a random stop along the way to school Wednesday morning, officials said.

Maria Sanchez, 43, of Statesville was charged with misdemeanor child abuse.

(Sanchez)

The bus was headed to East Middle School around 7:30 a.m., and deputies said the student was misbehaving when Sanchez kicked him off the bus near Bellfarm Road and Skyland Drive -- about four miles away from the school.

Authorities are reviewing school bus camera video and interviewing students, the Record and Landmark reported.

The school system's Human Resources Department is conducting the investigation.

Deputies said the boy had no idea where he was and ended up knocking on the door of a stranger’s home. The homeowner called for help.

The boy’s parents and the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene, officials said.

The school district is calling the allegation unacceptable and told Channel 9 on Wednesday that Sanchez has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation. She was fired later in the week.

Sanchez was held in the Iredell County Detention Center under a $2,000 secured bond. Her court date is May 1.

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