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New Jersey Substitute Teacher Accused Of Taping Kids' Mouths Shut

ELIZABETH, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A substitute teacher in Elizabeth, N.J. is accused of putting duct tape on children's mouths to keep them quiet in class.

Letisha Coleman told WCBS 880's Jim Smith her daughter was in the third grade class last Thursday at Winfield Scott School No. 2.

"She said that the teacher wanted them to be quiet and they wouldn't be quiet so she started duct taping, putting tape on the kids mouths," Coleman said.

A parent notified the regular teacher over the weekend and an investigation was launched first thing Monday.

A police lieutenant said a 9-year-old girl initially made the complaint to her father.

New Jersey Substitute Teacher Accused Of Taping Kids' Mouths Shut

Bruce Rosen, a lawyer for the school board, said administrators contacted children services and police.

"The Elizabeth Public Schools did everything it could've done in an incredibly short time span," Rosen said.

He added that at least five children are alleged to have decorative tape put over their mouths.

The substitute teacher was fired and police said they are continuing their investigation.

Still, parents like Coleman are fuming.

"You think your kids are safe in the school and they're not safe in school no more," she said.

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