Former Bibb County Educator Convicted of Child Cruelty in Foster Care Abuse Case

MACON, Georgia – A Bibb County jury has convicted a former educator and school board member accused of repeatedly beating a child placed in her foster care.

On May 20, 67-year-old Carnethia Elaine Dunham-Vickers was found guilty of cruelty to children in the first degree, according to prosecutors.

Investigators said the case began in June 2021 when daycare staff discovered severe bruising on a six-year-old child, including multiple overlapping belt marks across the child’s lower back, arms, and body.

Authorities said Dunham-Vickers, a former longtime member of the Bibb County Board of Education and former Bibb County teacher, denied abusing the child during trial.

However, prosecutors said she later admitted during cross-examination that the injuries inflicted on the child were excessive and cruel.

The child, now 11 years old, testified during the trial against Dunham-Vickers.

Prosecutors requested a 20-year sentence with 10 years to serve in prison.

The court ultimately sentenced Dunham-Vickers to 20 years, with five years to serve before the remainder of the sentence was suspended.

“In this jurisdiction, you cannot abuse children in your care and walk away without consequences,” said Anita Howard. “Although last month was National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we focus on protecting children 365 days a year.”

Howard also credited the courage of the child victim, along with the daycare workers who reported the injuries and the investigators with law enforcement and DFCS who worked the case.