More details have emerged about the Citrus County teacher accused of caging and abusing a 12-year-old boy.
Until Denise Hallowell's arrest on Monday, she was teaching science and social studies at MYcroSchool Citrus, a charter school that focuses on dropout recovery and prevention.
Tiffiany Shepard's daughter was in one Hallowell's classes.
"She told me this a while ago, she was like, 'mom there is just something not right with her.' I'm like, 'what do you mean?' She is like, 'I get a bad vibe about her," Shepard said.
Investigators said Hallowell locked a 12-year-old boy in his room for days with no food and a bucket for a toilet. Deputies also say she beat the boy and forced him to do chores naked.
Denise Hallowell, 54, was charged with aggravated child abuse and is being held without bond.
"I think it's disgusting," Shepard said. "I think it is absolutely disgusting."
School officials in Citrus say Hallowell has a clean teaching record.
She was hired by the school district back in 2010 to teach at Rock Crusher Elementary. Then, she moved to Lecanto Middle School. Last May she resigned from the district and started teaching at MYcroSchool Citrus.
The principal at MYcroSchool Citrus, Danita Eatman, says Hallowell was a reliable teacher and got along with the students.
"None of us know what goes on behind closed doors in someone's house," she said.
Hallowell is on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.
At this point, deputies are not releasing the relationship between Hallowell and the boy and they don't believe there are any other victims.