Sparta special education teacher faces felony child abuse charges

A special education teacher has been charged with felony child abuse following her arrest at an early learning center in Sparta, according to online court records. 30-year-old Melanie Hinz faces charges of felony child abuse-recklessly cause harm and misdemeanor disorderly conduct. She was booked into Monroe County jail custody Friday morning after the incident at Southside Early Learning Center. Hinz is listed as a special education teacher at Southside Early Learning Center on the Sparta School District’s website. The arrest stems from a law enforcement response Friday at the early learning center. Hinz’s employment status with the early learning center remains unclear. Hinz is free on a $10,000 signature bond with no-contact stipulations with the victim and their family. An initial appearance is set for December 1.