Montessori Teacher Charged with Child Cruelty

The Summerville Montessori Schools of the Arts teacher accused of duct-taping children's mouths shut and locking them in dark rooms was arrested and charged Friday with two counts of cruelty against children, according to Dorchester County Sheriff's Office. 

Lystra Zerba, 40, could face up to 60 days in prison and a $400 if convicted on both counts. 

The director for the school Elizabeth Cain was also arrested for failure to report child abuse or neglect. 

According to the incident report, the teacher had allegedly locked 4-year-old students in a dark bathroom, forcing them to sit on the floor. She also allegedly duct-taped students' mouths if they were disruptive on more than one occasion, and forced a child to swallow food by tilting her head back. One student also claimed she was struck by the teacher.

Zerba is on unpaid leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Cain and Zerba are awaiting bond hearing in Dorchester County jail.