Florida Teacher Arrested for Allegedly Placing 3-Year-Old Autistic Boy in Chokehold | Vilma Otero

Vilma Otero | NY Post

On August 23, 2024, a disturbing incident took place at Forest Lake Elementary School in Deltona, Florida, involving a special education teacher, Vilma Otero, and a 3-year-old autistic boy. According to reports, Otero allegedly used her legs to place the boy in a chokehold during storytime. 

The paraeducator, tasked with setting up activities on the opposite side of the room, heard the child screaming and turned to see Otero with the child in an inappropriate hold. The 59-year-old teacher was seated in a chair while restraining the boy, who was visibly distressed, his face turning red from crying and attempting to escape. Despite this, Otero reportedly continued reading to the other children in the classroom as if nothing was wrong.

join BJs Club with love and murder and save money

listen to love and murder podcast on spotify
listen to love and murder podcast on apple podcasts

The paraeducator took photos of the incident. These images, later provided to the authorities, showed Otero’s legs wrapped around the child’s neck, holding him in place. The photos were key evidence in the investigation, showing the boy on his back, struggling as Otero kept him pinned.

Vilma Otero sitting on stool while reading a book to the class, while the boy is beneath her | NY Post

After the paraeducator filed a report with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation. Deputies interviewed the boy’s family and noted slight redness on his neck, consistent with the claims made by the paraeducator. Although the child’s communication was limited due to his young age and autism, he reportedly told deputies, “She hurt me,” and mentioned that he “got in trouble at school.”

When deputies confronted Otero at her home, she denied restraining the boy in the manner described. She told authorities that, in her 36 years of experience working primarily with special needs children, the standard protocol for handling behavioral issues was to move the child to a different room to allow them to calm down.

“Otero did inform deputies that she knew physically restraining special needs children in the manner described would be wrong, however continued to deny that she had acted in the manner described once provided with photographic evidence of the event.”

Even when shown the photographic evidence, Otero maintained her denial, insisting that she had not physically restrained the child as depicted.

Despite her claims, the photographs, combined with the paraeducator’s testimony and the slight physical marks observed on the child’s neck, gave deputies probable cause to arrest Otero on felony child abuse charges without great bodily harm.

She has since bonded out of jail. She pleaded not guilty to the charges, with her next court appearance scheduled for September 19, 2024. The Volusia County School District placed Otero on administrative leave while they conduct their own investigation into the incident.

A statement released by the school district emphasized the seriousness of the accusations and assured the public that the safety and well-being of their students remain a top priority. Otero’s defense team, however, called for patience, stating that the photographs were “taken out of context” and asked the public to give Otero “the benefit of the doubt” as the investigation unfolds.

“She is a lifetime servant of the community and the photos offered are out of context. With all due respect to the employee that took the photographs and didn’t intervene, we will ask everyone to respect the process and give Mrs. Otero the benefit of the doubt.”

(Author’s note: after reading this statement, please go back and review the picture.)

Join Simplisafe with Love and Murder and get 50% off your home security system and a free camera

Want more true crime cases? Listen to this one next!

As the investigation continues, more details are likely to emerge. For now, Vilma Otero stands accused of child abuse, a serious charge that could have lasting consequences for her career and reputation. The upcoming court hearing will determine whether she faces additional legal ramifications or if her defense will challenge the validity of the evidence against her.

Meanwhile, the child’s family is left dealing with the knowledge that someone trusted to care for their son may have harmed him. And for parents of children with special needs, cases like this raise concerns about the safety of their children in educational environments meant to support their growth.


Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. And if you found these stories insightful, share them with your friends and family.

And remember, sharing the episode with a friend is a free and easy way to support the show

Question: What do you think of this episode?

Catch this case while you’re here:

🔗 Get involved in the conversation: WhatsApp

******************************************** HOW TO SUPPORT LOVE AND MURDER: 🧃Buy me a coffee (or an apple juice)🧃 You can now join Love and Murder’s Supporter’s Club in one of 3 places: 1. Patreon (✨✨best option for more extras✨✨) 2. Spreaker (choose the premium feature) 3. Spotify ******************************************** Rate, Share, Subscribe!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Want to hear about a specific true crime case? Email me at noconductradio@gmail.com or Request here: https://forms.gle/K513K8wCdRbU6syz5 Follow on Social Media Instagram Aftershow True Crime Community

Unlock Exclusive True Crime Content

Delve deeper into the mysteries with LaM Patreon. Get premium access to additional episodes and exclusive Ky Rants only available here.

Get love and murder's premium feed on Patreon and get bonus episodes

Sign up Mint Mobile today and save money over those other, expensive cell phone providers

Get 3 months FREE when you buy any 3-month plan

*Limited time offer, available for new customers only

Join my LaM Facebook Fan Group 

Find LaM merch in our shop

And an easy and free way to help me out is by simply sharing this blog post.

All Love and No Murder Yall

true crime, gabby petito, brain laundrie, love and murder, love and murder heartbreak to homicide, current news, true crime blog