Heather Lynne Pecht, Lookout Mountain Teacher, Charged With Child Abuse Following Allegations Involving Her Own Children

Heather Lynne Pecht, a first-grade teacher at a Lookout Mountain elementary school, has been charged with two counts of child abuse and neglect following allegations that she physically harmed her own children during an incident at the Ruby Falls parking lot, according to court records and police documents.

Pecht, 47, a resident of Lookout Mountain and Sequatchie County, was arrested on December 26, stemming from a police affidavit dated December 22. The alleged incident occurred on December 12, while Pecht and her two children were inside a vehicle at the popular Lookout Mountain attraction.

According to the affidavit, the children’s father reported the incident after picking them up from Pecht and noticing scratches and scabs on their hands. The children allegedly told him their mother caused the injuries.

Police later met with the father at the Lookout Mountain Police Department, where the children independently described what happened. Investigators said the children reported that Pecht became angry after her phone ended up in the back seat of the car.

“She began yelling at them to give her the phone immediately,” the affidavit stated.

One child told officers that Pecht began pinching and scratching them while they attempted to retrieve the phone, continuing until the child exited the vehicle to get away. The second child gave a similar account, telling police that when he tried to push Pecht’s hands away, she grabbed him and bit his hand.

Officers documented injuries that were consistent with the children’s statements, according to the affidavit.

Authorities also expressed concern due to Pecht’s position as an elementary school teacher. However, police emphasized that none of the allegations involve students or other children outside her family.

Hamilton County Department of Education officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Pecht’s employment status. Court records indicate that Pecht does not currently have an attorney listed.

The affidavit further states that the children and their father alleged the abuse had been ongoing for several years, occurring as frequently as once a week. The father also reported a previous incident in Dunlap, located in Sequatchie County, which he said was not investigated due to jurisdictional issues involving neighboring Marion County.

The case remains under investigation.