Monroe teacher charged with cruelty to students

Arrest warrants have been issued for Janice Ricks, a Monroe County public school teacher, for cruelty to children in the first degree (2 counts).Update:Janice Ricks, 55, of Macon, has turned herself in to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office earlier today, Feb. 25, 2010. Ricks has been charged with two counts of cruelty to children in the first degree. Ricks was released on her own recognizance by Judge Tommy Wilson.The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was notified on January 20, 2010 of alleged physical abuse to students by Ricks and began an investigation that has lasted several weeks. Ricks is a special education teacher and the alleged abuse involved students ranging in age from 3-5 years of age. Ricks is being allowed to turn herself in to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. A mugshot is not currently available. Allison Selman-WillisPIOMonroe County Sheriff’s Office