Preschool employee charged: assault involving child

Sheriff’s office says investigation remains active; preschool says staff members were removed from duty

3:34 p.m. May 14, 2026

Sylvia Hargrove

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

A former Little Raiders Preschool employee has been charged with assault after a report was filed with the Moore County Sheriff’s Office alleging an assault of a child at the preschool.

The sheriff’s office said the report was filed May 6. That report opened an investigation, and assault charges were filed and served May 13 against Sylvia Hargrove, who authorities identified as a former Little Raiders Preschool employee.

Hargrove was booked into the Moore County Jail and released after making bond, according to the sheriff’s office.

A charge is an accusation, and Hargrove is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Investigation Remains Active

The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains ongoing and active.

Moore County Sheriff’s Office investigators are working with the Tennessee Department of Human Services, the Department of Children’s Services, and the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office “to ensure all complaints are investigated and thoroughly reviewed,” according to the department’s statement.

Authorities did not release additional details about the alleged assault, the child involved, or the circumstances surrounding the report.

Preschool Says Staff Members Were Removed

In a statement to families posted on Facebook, Little Raiders Preschool said families were made aware of the incident after it was revealed.

“Please know that the staff members involved were immediately removed from their duties at Little Raiders Preschool,” the preschool said.

The preschool’s statement referred to “staff members involved” being removed from duty. The sheriff’s office statement identified Hargrove as the former employee charged to date.

Little Raiders said the situation was “completely against our standards, values, and expectations” and would not be tolerated.

The preschool also said appropriate authorities were notified immediately and that it is cooperating as the matter moves forward. Little Raiders said it has contacted DHS and implemented corrective actions to keep the preschool and its staff in compliance with applicable regulations and requirements.

“The safety, care, and well-being of the children remain our highest priority,” the preschool said. “We understand news like this is concerning, and we appreciate the trust our families place in us each day to care for their children.”