A former employee of Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Fort Smith, Arkansas, has been arrested on allegations of assault and harassment. Police identified the suspect as Cristie Castagno, whose case now moves to the local courts.
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Breaking News
Former employee at Fort Smith school facing assault, harassment charges
Photo by Knwa Fox24
Key Takeaways:
- Former school employee Cristie Castagno was arrested in Fort Smith.
- She faces charges of both assault and harassment.
- The allegations stem from her tenure at Immaculate Conception Catholic School.
- The Fort Smith Police Department is leading the investigation.
- The arrest was first reported by KNWA/FOX24 on August 19, 2025.
The Arrest
Fort Smith Police confirmed on Aug. 19 that Cristie Castagno, once employed by Immaculate Conception Catholic School, was taken into custody on charges of assault and harassment. The local outlet KNWA/FOX24 first broke the news, citing police records that detail the allegations but do not yet describe the circumstances of the reported incident.
The School and Community
Immaculate Conception Catholic School, a long-standing institution in the city’s River Valley region, serves preschool and elementary-age children. Though school officials have not commented publicly, the arrest has stirred concern among parents and parishioners accustomed to trusting the close-knit campus environment.
The Accused
Castagno is no longer employed by the school, according to information provided to local media. She now awaits formal court proceedings that will clarify the specific nature of the harassment and assault claims. No attorney of record had issued a statement at the time of publication.
Police Response
A spokesperson for the Fort Smith Police Department said the investigation remains active. “We take allegations involving school personnel seriously,” the spokesperson noted, adding that additional details would become available once charges move through the court system.
What Comes Next
Castagno’s first appearance before a judge is expected in the coming days. Until then, the case serves as the latest reminder of the heightened scrutiny surrounding employee conduct in schools nationwide.
This article is based solely on information reported by KNWA/FOX24 and official statements from the Fort Smith Police Department.
