Assault case adds to woes of educator
Ex-principal already facing theft charges
BY J.D. GALLOP
FLORIDA TODAY
September 12, 2008


It was a stark change from the child-filled hallways of Palm Bay Elementary.

On Thursday, former principal Victoria Barkwell stood before a judge in a jail courtroom. The educator, who was arrested earlier this week on grand theft and fraud charges, wore a gray jail uniform and gave only darting glances at her attorneys. She was facing new charges: assault and battery on a person over 65.

The elder abuse report was from an incident in January, the day before Barkwell's husband, Anthony, died after a long bout with cancer, police said.

Police said family members allege that Barkwell argued with the older woman, then shoved her and yanked away her walker. The woman fell backward into a recliner as Barkwell grabbed a stick and yelled curses, police report.

Abridged
SOURCE: Florida Today
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