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A special needs teacher named Teacher of the Month is accused of punishing a student by pouring hot sauce directly onto their tongue.

Here's what may have happened.

Heather Varner Hunter is a 46-year-old special needs teacher who spent 18 years in education, including eight years at Cottonwood Elementary School. In March, Hunter was named Teacher of the Month by radio station 95.5 WTVY-FM. The alleged incident occurred in September at Cottonwood Elementary School in Houston County, Alabama. Police say Hunter used hot sauce to punish a student who had stuck out their tongue. The Houston County Sheriff’s Office handled the investigation. Hunter was arrested on Monday afternoon and later released after posting a $2,500 bond. She is formally charged with child abuse. Houston County Schools Superintendent Brandy White confirmed that Hunter is no longer employed by the district. All information from the case has been turned over to the Alabama Department of Human Resources. All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts.

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