Teacher assistant charged with fondling child at restaurant

The Clarion-Ledger

A teacher assistant at Clinton Public Schools is facing a gratification of lust in Flowood for allegedly touching a young girl inappropriately.

Flowood police arrested Thomas Christopher Cleveland, 47, of Clinton in connection with an incident Oct. 15 at a Flowood restaurant. Cleveland is accused of approaching a young girl, making threatening statements and touching her inappropriately, according to a Flowood police report.

Thomas Cleveland


Detectives worked with Clinton police and the schools administration to determine the suspect was a teacher assistant at Clinton Public Schools.

The Clinton Public School District immediately terminated Cleveland's employment when it was notified of his arrest, according to a statement from the school district, which added that the.district is cooperating with law enforcement in this ongoing investigation.

Although Cleveland was not in serving in his professional position when the alleged incident occurred, detectives are continuing their investigation to determine how far the nature of the alleged crime extends, according to the Flowood police news release..

If convicted Cleveland faces 15 years in jail.