Preschool Employees Charged with Assault: Police

PHOTOS (left to right): Cherie Evette Diggs and Lisa Campbell are accused of assault and battery at a local preschool. FCPD photo

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FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Police were called to the Franconia/Springfield Healthplex at around 11:51 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, for a report of a juvenile abuse case, Fairfax County Police said Wednesday.

The mother of the victim reported finding bruises on her 4-year-old daughter, police said. The injuries were believed to be sustained earlier in the day at James L. & Juliette McNeil Preschool Academy, a private school, located at 8543 Forest Place, in the Mount Vernon area (see map below).

Detectives conducted an extensive investigation and presented their findings to the magistrate who found that there was probable cause to issue warrants for simple assault for the victim’s teacher and teacher’s assistant, according to police. Child Protective Services was notified and is assisting in the investigation. According to the academy, both employees have been terminated, police said.

The assistant, Cherie Evette Diggs, 40, of the Alexandria area, was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery. She turned herself in at the Mount Vernon District Station on Wednesday and the warrant was served.

The teacher, Lisa Campbell, 38, of Woodbridge, was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery. She turned herself in at the Mount Vernon District Station Wednesday and the warrant was served.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers electronically by visiting http://www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text-a-tip by texting “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES(274637)** or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.