Arrest for Child Abuse and Battery on School Grounds at Sonora Elementary 

February 7, 2025 – Sonora Police Department officials report that a speech therapist has been arrested following allegations of assaulting a seven-year-old child with autism during a therapy session. The arrest comes after a thorough investigation prompted by a report from the child's parents, who became concerned about their child's behavior, and a notification by the school on the morning of February 3rd .

50-year-old Mary McGrew of Sonora was arrested on allegations of Child Abuse and Battery on School Grounds. The incident occurred on January 23rd at Sonora Elementary. However, the Police Department first learned of the incident shortly after 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 3rd.

The child had no physical injuries at the time of the report. However, due to the seriousness of these allegations, the Sonora Police Department launched a criminal investigation the following morning, ultimately securing an arrest warrant on Thursday, February 6th, in cooperation with the Tuolumne County District Attorney's Office. The warrant was executed at approximately 12:30 p.m. this afternoon, and McGrew was booked at the Tuolumne County Jail for misdemeanor charges.

The identity of the child and any specific details regarding the case are not being released with respect to confidentiality considerations.

This case is ongoing, and the Sonora Police Department is asking anyone with information believed to be associated with this incident to contact Detective Brickley at 209-532-8141

It's important to remember that the individuals mentioned in this report were arrested based on suspicion of the crimes they've been charged with. All such charges are mere allegations, and all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty. This principle is the bedrock of our legal system and should be respected by all.

Source: Sonora Police Department