Deputies: Volusia County teacher beat up teen over food

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - A teacher is behind bars after deputies say he beat up a a teenage girl for eating food.

Deputies arrested teacher Joseph Sweeney at his home in Deltona. Deputies say that Sweeney had set aside food for his wife, but got upset when the 17-year-old girl ate the food. They say he slapped her, pushed her to the ground, and stepped on her head.

The Daytona Beach News-Journal says that Sweeney was charged with misdemeanor battery and a malicious act that could result in physical and mental injury to a child, felony. He is now on leave from Spirit Elementary School while the incident is investigated.